Khushdil Shah fined 50% match fee for reckless shoulder barge
- Khushdil Shah received a fine of 50% of his match fee and three demerit points due to inappropriate contact during a match.
- The incident involved physical contact with New Zealand bowler Zac Foulkes while running between the wickets.
- Khushdil's admission of guilt allowed him to avoid a formal hearing, reflecting the seriousness of maintaining discipline in cricket.
In New Zealand, during a Twenty20 match on a Sunday in March 2025, Pakistan allrounder Khushdil Shah was fined for breaching the ICC's code of conduct. The incident occurred while he was running between the wickets, resulting in inappropriate physical contact with New Zealand bowler Zac Foulkes. Khushdil admitted his violation of Article 2.12, which pertains to inappropriate physical contact during an international match. Match referee Jeff Crowe imposed a fine amounting to 50% of Khushdil's match fee, accompanied by three demerit points to his disciplinary record. During the match, Khushdil stood out as he top-scored for Pakistan with a total of 32 runs. However, Pakistan struggled significantly in this game, reduced to a dismal score of 11-4 following intense bowling by New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson. The team eventually recorded their lowest score in a T20 match on New Zealand soil. This context adds to the gravity of Khushdil's breach, reflecting poorly on an already challenging match for Pakistan. The breach's severity aligns with the rules outlined in the ICC Code of Conduct, where level 2 offenses accompany financial penalties or suspension points. Since this was Khushdil's first offense in the past 24 months, he avoided a formal hearing by accepting the proposed sanctions immediately. The umpires for the game—Wayne Knights, Sam Nogajski, Kim Cotton, and Chris Brown—were responsible for levying the charge against him, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the code. In international cricket, maintaining discipline is paramount, as breaches can lead to further penalties and impact a player’s career. The ICC's procedure for imposing fines and points serves as a deterrent. If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within 24 months, severe consequences arise, including suspension from future matches. Khushdil’s acceptance of the penalty demonstrates a willingness to uphold the sport's integrity despite the consequences faced in this specific incident.