Dubai, 07 September (H.S.): Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and handed one demerit point for giving a send-off to India batter Shafali Verma during their Women’s Asia Cup clash.

Fatima was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct. She was found to have violated Article 2.5, which relates to using language, actions or gestures towards a dismissed batter that could be considered insulting or could provoke an aggressive reaction.

The incident occurred after Shafali Verma was dismissed during India’s innings. After taking Shafali’s catch, Fatima gestured towards the pavilion. This was Fatima’s second offence within a 24-month period, taking her tally of demerit points to two. She had previously received one demerit point during the T20 International against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.

Despite Pakistan being bowled out for just 55 against India, Fatima produced an effective performance with the ball, claiming three wickets. Shafali, who had made an aggressive start while chasing a target of 56, became Fatima’s first victim. Shafali attempted to play Fatima’s sixth delivery but offered a straightforward return catch to the bowler.

Fatima admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Supriya Das, meaning that a formal hearing was not required. For a Level 1 breach of the Code of Conduct, the minimum penalty is an official reprimand, while the maximum penalty can be a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee and one or two demerit points.

Following Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat to India, the team has little time to regroup. Pakistan’s next match is against Hong Kong, China, on Monday. A victory in that encounter will secure Pakistan’s place in the semi-finals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar