Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined of her match fee and handed a demerit point for her sendoff gesture towards India opener Shafali Verma during their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash in Dubai.
Fatima Sana punished for sendoff gesture
Fatima was found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers gestures or actions that could disparage a dismissed batter or provoke an aggressive response. The incident occurred after Fatima dismissed Shafali during India’s chase. After completing the catch, the Pakistan skipper gestured towards the pavilion, an action that was deemed to have crossed the line under the ICC’s disciplinary regulations.
As a result, Fatima was fined 10 per cent of her match fee and received one demerit point. The punishment also takes her total demerit-point tally to two within a 24-month period. Her previous demerit point came during Pakistan’s T20I against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.
Fatima admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Supriya Das. Since she accepted the charge and punishment, there was no need for a formal hearing. A Level 1 breach under the ICC Code of Conduct can result in an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Pakistan suffer heavy defeat in the much-awaited clash against India
While the sendoff attracted disciplinary attention, Fatima remained one of Pakistan’s brighter performers with the ball in a one-sided contest against India. The Women in Blue dominated proceedings and bowled Pakistan out for just 55 after winning the toss and opting to field. Shafali had provided India with an attacking start before Fatima struck with her first wicket.
The opener was dismissed off Fatima’s sixth delivery, chipping the ball back towards the bowler, who completed a straightforward return catch. Fatima went on to finish with three wickets, but her efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan from suffering a heavy defeat. India’s bowlers had already put the game firmly in their favour by restricting Pakistan to a low total. The result left Pakistan needing to quickly regroup as the tournament moved into another important phase.
Also READ: India steamroll Pakistan in a one-sided clash at Women’s Asia Cup 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
