Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been docked 10 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point after the ICC found him guilty of showing dissent during the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka on November 29. The incident occurred in the 19th over when Zaman engaged in a prolonged argument with on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob over his dismissal, breaching Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Zaman admitted the offence immediately and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Reon King from the Emirates ICC International Panel, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by both on-field umpires, third umpire Rashid Riaz, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi.

This is Zaman’s first breach within a 24-month period, meaning the single demerit point will remain on his record for two years. Level 1 offences carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a 50 per cent match-fee fine and up to two demerit points.

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Despite the flashpoint, Pakistan cruised to a six-wicket victory, bowling Sri Lanka out for 114 with Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz claiming three wickets each. Babar Azam (37*) and Saim Ayub (36) ensured a comfortable chase, sealing the Tri-Series title.

The win capped a record-breaking 2025 for Pakistan in T20Is, with 21 victories in 34 matches—their highest tally in a single calendar year. Zaman’s sanction, while minor, serves as a reminder of the ICC’s zero-tolerance policy toward dissent, even in high-stakes finals.

As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming white-ball tours, the aggressive opener will look to channel his passion within the spirit of the game, ensuring his fiery on-field persona remains an asset rather than a liability.

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