Why Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was penalized after women’s Asia Cup loss to India

Fatima Sana (Image credit: ACC) Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 percent of her match fee and given one point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women’s Asia Cup match against India.Pakistan lost the Group A match by seven wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday that Fatima breached Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.The rule refers to “the use of language, actions or gestures which disparage or may provoke an aggressive response from a batsman during his/her dismissal during an international match”.

A gesture after the release of Shafali

The incident took place on the final ball of the second over of India’s 56 over chase.Fatima dismissed Indian opener Shafali Verma through a caught dismissal. After taking the catch, the Pakistan captain pointed towards the pavilion.The gesture led to a code of conduct charge.

Second offense in 24 months

This is Fatima’s second offense in 24 months. Her latest demerit point gives her a total of two.Her previous wicket came during Pakistan’s opening T20 International against Ireland in Dublin on 6 August 2025.“Fatima admitted the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the ICC Emirates International Umpire Panel, so there was no need for a formal hearing,” the ICC added.The charges were made by on-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Rokey Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan.A level 1 breach carries a minimum penalty of an official warning and a maximum fine of 50 per cent of the player’s match fee. Players can also get a point or two for a loss.

Fatima available for Hong Kong match

Despite the suspension, Fatima will be available to lead Pakistan in their next Women’s Asia Cup match against Hong Kong on Tuesday.Pakistan need a win to advance to the semi-finals.Seven-time champions India and defending champions Sri Lanka have already booked places in the last four.