Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana Fined by ICC for Gesture Towards Shafali Verma in Asia Cup Clash

Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for making an inappropriate gesture during her team’s Asia Cup group match against India last week. Sana received a fine of 10 percent of her match fee on Monday, following India's crushing record T20 defeat over Pakistan in the regional tournament.

The sanction stems from an incident where Sana gestured toward the pavilion after dismissing Shafali Verma, catching and bowling her out during her second over. Verma had contributed 12 runs off six balls before India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory to maintain their unbeaten run in the competition.

Sana admitted to breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal.” Alongside the financial penalty, one demerit point was added to her disciplinary record, marking her second offense within a 24-month period following a previous incident against Ireland in August 2025.

Under ICC regulations, Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50 percent of the player's match fee, alongside one or two demerit points. As the tournament progresses, India has advanced to the semifinals with six points from three matches, while Pakistan prepares to face Hong Kong on Monday.