ICC penalises Pakistan bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad ahead of WI vs PAK 2nd Test

Pakistan's disappointing start to the Test series against the West Indies has worsened after the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalised fast bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. The sanctions came after their on-field celebrations during Pakistan's 90-run defeat in the first Test in Trinidad.

Khurram Shahzad was fined 15% of his match fee and received one demerit point for celebrating too close to West Indies batter Shai Hope after dismissing him in the second innings. The ICC ruled that his celebration breached its Code of Conduct by making inappropriate physical proximity with the batter.

Mohammad Abbas was also sanctioned for his animated celebration after dismissing Jomel Warrican, which completed his five-wicket haul in the West Indies' second innings. Although Abbas was officially reprimanded and not fined, he was handed one demerit point for his conduct. The penalties come just ahead of the second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies.

Khurram Shahzad fined 15% match fee, Abbas reprimanded — Here's what happened

The incidents took place during the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. Both Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas celebrated wickets in close proximity to the dismissed West Indies batters. After reviewing the incidents, the ICC ruled that their actions breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to gestures or actions that could provoke or intimidate a dismissed batter.

Khurram Shahzad received a 15% fine on his match fee and one demerit point for his animated celebration after dismissing Shai Hope in the 17th over of the West Indies' second innings. The ICC found that his celebration came too close to the batter and was considered inappropriate under the Code of Conduct.

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Mohammad Abbas was also found guilty of a Level 1 offence after his aggressive celebration following the dismissal of Jomel Warrican, which completed his five-wicket haul. While Abbas was officially reprimanded instead of being fined, he was handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC's Code of Conduct.

Both pacers were handed demerit points after Pakistan's 90-run defeat in 1st Test

The ICC confirmed that both Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad admitted to their offences and accepted the penalties proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe. As a result, there was no need for formal disciplinary hearings. It was also the first Code of Conduct offence for both players in the last 24 months.

Pakistan's disciplinary setbacks came after a disappointing 90-run defeat to the West Indies in the first Test. Chasing 211 in the fourth innings, Pakistan were bowled out for just 120, with Jayden Seales starring for the hosts by taking a five-wicket haul. The victory gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

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Apart from captain Babar Azam, who remained unbeaten on 58, none of Pakistan's batters managed to make a significant contribution. After the match, Babar said that Shan Masood's finger injury, suffered after his first-innings century, affected the team's batting performance in the final innings. Pakistan will now look to bounce back in the second Test while avoiding further disciplinary issues.

Will the Sanctions Affect Pakistan's Playing XI for the Series-Deciding 2nd Test?

The ICC sanctions are not expected to affect Pakistan's playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies. Both Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad were found guilty of Level 1 offences and received one demerit point each, but neither player was suspended. They remain available for selection in the series-deciding match.

The disciplinary action comes after Pakistan's 90-run defeat in the first Test, which gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Pakistan are also enduring a difficult run in overseas Test cricket and are still searching for their first away Test victory since July 2023.

The second Test, which begins on August 2, is now a must-win game for Pakistan. A victory will help them level the series, while another defeat will hand the West Indies the series. Along with improving their performance on the field, Pakistan will also be hoping to avoid any further disciplinary issues.