The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi 15 per cent of his match fee. The punishment came after a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident happened during Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
Nabi was found guilty under Article 2.4 of the code. The rule relates to “Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match.” The problem began at the start of the 14th over of Afghanistan’s innings. Nabi argued for a long time with the umpires about South African bowler Lungi Ngidi’s wristband.
Nabi admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee David Gilbert. Because he accepted the charge, there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan laid the charge.
One demerit point has also been added to Nabi’s record. It is his first offence in a 24-month period. If he collects four or more demerit points in two years, they will be converted into suspension points. That could lead to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is.
Level 1 breaches can result in an official reprimand or a fine up to 50 per cent of the match fee along with demerit points.
SA VS AFG Match Decided After Two Super Overs
The match itself was a dramatic contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium. It went to two Super Overs before South Africa finally won. Lungi Ngidi was named Player of the Match.
“Lost so much weight today. Never been this stressed in my life in a cricket game. Happy to come out on top. Knew I’d probably be the super over option, captain said keep doing the same. Let myself down in the first over, didn’t go to plan. Clear from Quintin, David and Stubbs that balls into the wicket was working,” Ngidi said at the post-match presentation party.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz fought hard for Afghanistan with big hits, but South Africa held their nerve to secure victory.
