How dissent on an LBW call led to a fine and demerit for Pakistan’s batter

In the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match against Hong Kong, Pakistan’s batter Gul Farooza was penalised after he openly disagreed with an LBW decision. The dismissal came in the fifth over of Pakistan’s innings, and Farooza immediately pointed to his bat, insisting the ball had struck the bat’s edge rather than the pad.

The ICC’s Code of Conduct, specifically article 2.8, classifies such dissent as a breach. As a result, Farooza faced a ten‑percent reduction in his match fee and was issued a demerit point.

This incident is Farooza’s second disciplinary breach within the past 24 months, bringing his total demerit points to two. His first point was recorded on 23 June during a Women’s T20 World Cup League match against Australia, where a separate conduct issue attracted a similar sanction.

Farooza accepted the sanction recommended by Supriya Rani Das of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, thereby avoiding a formal hearing. The charge was lodged by on‑field umpire Rabab Ahsan, third umpire Rokea Sultan, third‑umpire Shivani Mishra and fourth umpire Shathira Zakir.

Under ICC Level‑1 violation guidelines, the minimum punishment is a warning, while the maximum can be a fine of up to 50 % of the player’s match fee and the award of one or two demerit points. Accumulating four demerit points in a 24‑month window triggers conversion into suspension points, which could lead to bans from one Test, two ODIs or two T20 matches.