Two Afghanistan Cricketers Reprimanded by ICC for Code of Conduct Breach

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially reprimanded two Afghanistan players following incidents during their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. Both were found guilty of separate Level-1 breaches of the Code of Conduct and were sanctioned after accepting the charges without the need for a formal hearing.

One player was pulled up for showing dissent towards an umpire’s decision, while the other faced disciplinary action for displaying frustration by mishandling cricket equipment. Match referee Richie Richardson imposed the sanctions in line with ICC’s disciplinary guidelines.

As a result of the offences, each player has received one demerit point, which will remain on their record for a 24-month period. Though considered minor violations, the accumulation of demerit points can lead to harsher penalties, including suspensions, if repeated over time.

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Importance of Discipline in High-Pressure Games

The reprimands came at a time when Afghanistan’s campaign in the Asia Cup was under strain. Having started with a strong victory, the side faltered against tougher opponents and could not advance to the Super Four stage. The disciplinary issues highlighted the pressure players face in high-intensity matches and the fine balance between competitive spirit and maintaining composure.

On-field frustration often reflects the emotions that surface during crunch moments. However, the ICC’s Code of Conduct aims to ensure that the game is played in the right spirit, with mutual respect for opponents, officials, and the sport itself. By penalizing even Level-1 offences, the governing body sends a clear message that breaches of behavior, no matter how small, will not be overlooked.

For Afghanistan, these sanctions may serve as a reminder of the importance of focus and professionalism. The team has been striving to make its mark on the international stage, and managing temperament under pressure is a key part of that journey.

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While the immediate impact of these reprimands is relatively small, the long-term implications are worth noting. Maintaining discipline is not only about avoiding penalties but also about setting an example for younger players and fans who look up to international cricketers.