Pakistan women’s cricket captain Fatima Sana has received a disciplinary sanction from the International Cricket Council (ICC) following an incident during an Asia Cup group stage match against India. The governing body announced on Monday that Sana has been fined 10 percent of her match fee for a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
The penalty stems from an incident occurring after Sana dismissed Indian batter Shafali Verma via a caught-and-bowled play. Following the wicket, Sana gestured toward the pavilion. The ICC determined this action violated Article 2.5, which prohibits players from using language, actions, or gestures that disparage an opponent or could incite an aggressive reaction from a batter upon their dismissal.
In addition to the financial penalty, one demerit point was added to Sana’s disciplinary record. This marks her second offence within a 24-month period, following a previous violation during a T20I against Ireland in August 2025. Level 1 breaches under the current code carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50 percent of a match fee, alongside one or two demerit points.
The match itself saw India secure a seven-wicket victory, with Verma contributing 12 runs from six balls. This result came just two days before the ICC’s ruling and contributed to India’s unbeaten run in the tournament. India, the 50-over world champions, hold a record seven Asia Cup titles, while Pakistan has finished as runners-up to their neighbors twice, in 2012 and 2016.
Fatima Sana, who became the youngest player to captain Pakistan’s women’s team at age 22 when she was appointed in October 2024, admitted to the offence. As India advances to the semifinals with six points, Pakistan continues its campaign, including a scheduled match against Hong Kong. The report also notes that verma scored 12 runs off six balls as India beat Pakistan by seven wickets to remain unbeaten in the competition.
