Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fee for violating Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch.
The ICC confirmed that he breached Article 2.12, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact with players, officials, or spectators during an international match.
The incident took place in the eighth over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil, while running between the wickets, made unnecessary physical contact with New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes.
Match officials categorized the act as reckless and avoidable. As a result, three demerit points were added to his record, marking his first offence in 24 months.
Jeff Crowe from the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees proposed the penalty, which Khushdil accepted, avoiding a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Wayne Knights and Sam Nogajski, along with third umpire Kim Cotton and fourth umpire Chris Brown, reported the violation.
Under new T20I captain Salman Agha, Pakistan suffered a heavy nine-wicket defeat in the opening match.
Bowled out for just 91 runs, the visitors could not put up a fight as New Zealand chased the target in 10.1 overs.
Salman admitted that his team needed to improve and aimed to regroup ahead of the second T20I in Dunedin.