Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas penalised for conduct breaches

Pakistan fast bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas have been penalised by the International Cricket

Pakistan fast bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas have been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching its Code of Conduct during the first Test against the West Indies.

Shahzad was fined 15 per cent of his match fee. Abbas, meanwhile, received an official reprimand.

Both players were also handed one demerit point on their disciplinary records. It was the first such offence for each player during the past 24 months.

The action was taken under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The provision deals with language, actions or gestures that can disparage a batter or provoke an aggressive response after a dismissal.

Shahzad was sanctioned following the dismissal of West Indies batter Shai Hope. The Pakistan pacer celebrated aggressively after taking the wicket during the 17th over of the West Indies’ second innings.

Abbas was penalised for his animated celebration after dismissing Jomel Warrican.

The charges were brought by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Richard Kettleborough. Third umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal was also involved in the disciplinary process.

The proposed sanctions came from Jeff Crowe, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

Both Pakistani bowlers accepted their respective offences and the proposed penalties. As a result, no formal hearing was required.

Under ICC regulations, Level 1 breaches can result in an official reprimand or a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee. Players can also receive one or two demerit points.

The demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months.

A player who accumulates four or more demerit points during that period can have them converted into suspension points.

Such suspension points can eventually lead to a ban from international cricket.