Khushdil Shah fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Sunday.

Shah was penalized for a Level 2 breach under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which addresses "inappropriate physical contact with a player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee, or any other person, including a spectator, during an international match."

The incident occurred during the 8th over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil Shah collided forcefully with New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes from behind. This was deemed "inappropriate physical contact with significant force" and was considered "reckless, negligent, and preventable" by the ICC.

Shah accepted the penalty imposed by the umpires and Match Referee Jeff Crowe, meaning no formal hearing was required. As a result, he has received three demerit points on his disciplinary record, as it was his first offence within a 24-month period.

Under ICC rules, players who accumulate four or more demerit points within this period face suspension. Two suspension points would result in a ban from one Test match, two ODIs, or two T20Is, depending on the format of the next match.

Despite the controversy, Khushdil Shah was Pakistan's top scorer in the match, where they were bowled out for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs. Pakistan's openers were dismissed for ducks, and seven batters failed to reach double figures.

New Zealand easily chased down the target of 92, winning by nine wickets with 59 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.