Mohammad Nabi Fined 15% Match Fee After ICC Code of Conduct Breach in T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been a highly anticipated match, with South Africa and Afghanistan facing off in a thrilling double-Super Over match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Amidst all the buzz, another piece of bad news has now arrived for the losing team, Afghanistan. Afghanistan's most experienced player, Mohammad Nabi, has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the match.

What Rule Did Mohammad Nabi Break?

Mohammad Nabi was found to have violated Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "disobeying an umpire's instruction during an international match." Furthermore, one demerit point has been added to Nabi's disciplinary record, marking his first offence in a 24-month period.

When Did the Incident Happen?

The incident occurred at the start of the 14th over of Afghanistan's innings, when Nabi engaged in a lengthy argument with the umpires over bowler Lungi Ngidi's wristband. Nabi admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Emirates ICC International Panel Match Referee David Gilbert, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Jayaraman Madangopal and Sharfudullah Ibne Shahid, third umpire Nitin Menon, and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan awarded the charge. Level 1 violations carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50 percent of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points.