Pakistan captain Fatima Sana fined for gesture toward Shafali Verma

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined by the International Cricket Council for gesturing toward the pavilion after dismissing India batter Shafali Verma in the Asia Cup.

The incident occurred in Sana’s second over, when she caught and bowled Verma, who had scored 12 runs from six balls. India went on to beat Pakistan by seven wickets, extending its unbeaten run in the competition.

Sana admitted the offence, which breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The provision covers “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal.” The ICC imposed a fine of 10% of her match fee and added one demerit point to her disciplinary record.

It was Sana’s second such offence within 24 months. The previous incident took place during a T20I against Ireland in August 2025. Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

India had six points from three matches and moved into the semifinals. Pakistan were seeking a win against Hong Kong. India are the record seven-time Asia Cup champions, while Pakistan have never won the tournament and finished runners-up to India in 2012 and 2016. Sana became Pakistan’s captain in October 2024 at the age of 22, making her the youngest leader of the country’s women’s cricket team.