Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and given an official reprimand after the International Cricket Council found him guilty of a Level 1 breach during the recent ODI against England. The apex body confirmed that the pacer violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with behaviour contrary to the spirit of the game.
The incident took place at the end of the 46th over of Pakistan’s innings. Standing at the non-striker’s end, Rauf first appealed for a wide and then got into a heated exchange with England all-rounder Will Jacks. He raised his bat during the argument and continued the confrontation even after umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid issued a warning. Rauf later brushed past the umpire while walking towards Jacks.
As a result of this third offence within 24 months, Rauf also received one demerit point, taking his total to five. Both Rauf and England captain Harry Brook admitted their respective charges and accepted the penalties proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe. No formal hearings were needed.
England were also penalised. The visitors were fined 15 percent of their match fee for a slow over-rate after finishing three overs short of the required rate. Under ICC rules, players lose 5 percent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl on time.
The charges were brought by on-field umpires Rashid Riaz and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Wayne Knights and fourth umpire Nassir Hussain. The disciplinary action came after a dramatic contest in which Pakistan chased down the target by one wicket. Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten century and shared an unbroken 89-run stand with Rauf for the last wicket, sealing victory with 17 balls remaining.
That win booked Pakistan’s place in the ODI tri-series final against Sri Lanka, scheduled for October 31. Despite the fine, Rauf’s contribution with the bat in the closing stages proved crucial in securing the result for his team.
