Pakistan’s middle-order batter Salman Agha has been officially reprimanded by the ICC for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during Pakistan’s second Test against Bangladesh at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The incident occurred when Salman, after being dismissed, struck an advertising board with his bat while walking back to the pavilion.
Salman breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.” Additionally, one demerit point has been added to Salman’s disciplinary record, marking his second offence within 24 months.
Salman admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Allahuddien Palekar, third umpire Kumar Dharmasena, and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul.
The disciplinary action came amidst a disappointing outing for Pakistan, who faced a 78-run defeat against Bangladesh in the second Test. Bangladesh secured a historic 2-0 series sweep after spinner Taijul Islam claimed a match-winning haul of 6-120 while defending a target of 437 on the final day.
Despite the loss, Salman showcased a commendable performance in the second innings, scoring 71 runs in a crucial partnership with Mohammad Rizwan before being dismissed. Following this defeat, Pakistan has slipped to the eighth position in the WTC points table, having won only one out of four matches in the ongoing cycle.
