The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has penalized Islamabad United’s fast bowler Naseem Shah and Multan Sultans’ team for breaching the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) Code of Conduct during their match on Sunday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
According to a PCB statement, Naseem Shah was fined 10% of his match fee for abusing the cricket equipment after the completion of Multan Sultans’ innings.
The young pacer was seen kicking the stumps in frustration as the Sultans posted a massive total of 228 for 4 in 20 overs. Naseem Shah was the most economical bowler for Islamabad United, conceding only 31 runs and taking one wicket in his four overs.
Naseem Shah admitted his offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Roshan Mahanama, who charged him under Article 2.2 of the PSL Code of Conduct. The on-field umpires Ruchira Palliyaguruge and Muhammad Asif also reported the incident.
In another violation, Multan Sultans were fined for having a slow over-rate during the match. After considering time allowances, the match referee determined that they fell one over short of their target. As per Article 2.22 of the PSL Code of Conduct, each player of the Sultans was fined 10% of his match fee.
Despite the penalties, both teams played a thrilling match that went down to the wire. Islamabad United chased down the target on the last ball of the match, thanks to the heroics of Colin Munro, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim. Islamabad United won the match by three wickets and secured their spot in the playoffs. Multan Sultans have already qualified for the next stage with 12 points and a match to spare.