Afghanistan spinners reprimanded for ICC Code of Conduct breach in Asia Cup

The ICC reprimanded Afghanistan’s spin duo, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, for violations of the ICC Code of Conduct during their Asia Cup game against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The penalties were imposed by the match referees as a Level 1 offence in the Code following incidents during the game. Noor, the left-arm wrist-spinner, was found to have violated Article 2.8, which refers to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision." The 19-year-old showed visible signs of frustration after one of his deliveries was ruled a wide, in the 16th over, by the on-field umpire.

Mujeeb was charged with an Article 2.2 violation of the Code for the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match." While on the field, the off-spinner broke the stumps with his towel, which was determined to be a breach of the Code.

Sri Lanka remains unbeaten as Afghanistan bow out after disciplinary matters involving the spin pair

Both have accepted the charges, both are subject to the sanctions proposed by Richie Richardson, ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, meaning there won't be a formal hearing. In addition to the reprimands, both players will receive a demerit point added to their disciplinary record; this is the first offence for both Noor and Mujeeb in a 24-month period. The charges were brought by on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Virender Sharma, third umpire Faisal Afridi and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit.

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On the field, Sri Lanka maintained their good form in the tournament, winning convincingly by six wickets. Chasing down Afghanistan's target, Sri Lanka made it three wins on the bounce and remain unbeaten in the tournament. For Afghanistan, it was their second loss on the bounce, which knocks them out of the Asia Cup.

While the sanctioning on the field was frustrating, neither Noor or Mujeeb will have to refocus both of them on their upcoming assignments after Afghanistan was knocked out of the Asia Cup. The duo will look to bounce back stronger in the future and be more mindful and not specimen such situation on the field.