Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
The sanction was confirmed by the International Cricket Council after the incident during the high-pressure match.
Arshdeep was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The article relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an International Match.”
Apart from the fine, one demerit point has been added to Arshdeep’s disciplinary record. It is the first offence for the Indian pacer in the last 24 months.
The incident happened in the 11th over of New Zealand’s innings. Arshdeep fielded the ball during his follow-through and threw it back aggressively. The ball struck New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell on his pads.
The Indian fast bowler later apologised to Mitchell. He said sorry at the end of the over and also after the match had finished.
Arshdeep accepted the punishment proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Because he accepted the sanction, there was no need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf, third umpire Allahuddien Paleker, and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock had levelled the charge.
ICC explains penalties for Level 1 offences
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand. The maximum penalty can be 50 per cent of a player’s match fee. One or two demerit points can also be added to the player’s record.
If a player reaches four or more demerit points within 24 months, they are converted into suspension points. This leads to a ban from matches.
Two suspension points equal a ban from one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first.
Despite the incident, Arshdeep had a solid tournament. The Indian pacer picked up nine wickets in eight matches during the 2026 T20 World Cup. He finished with an average of 28.22 and an economy rate of 8.46.
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