Afghanistan’s troubles have increased further after the defeat against South Africa in the Group D match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC has taken disciplinary action against the team’s senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. According to a statement issued by the ICC, a fine of 15 percent of the match fee has been imposed on Nabi. He is accused of violating Article 2.4 of the Code of Conduct prescribed for players and support staff. This rule relates to disobeying the umpire’s instructions during an international match.
Along with this, one demerit point has also been added to Nabi’s disciplinary record. However, this has been considered his first offense in the last two years.
Nabi admitted the mistake
This matter is from the start of the 14th over of Afghanistan’s innings. It was reported that Mohammad Nabi had a long discussion with the umpires regarding the band tied on the wrist of South Africa’s fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, which later turned into an argument. During this, the issue of not following the umpires’ instructions came to the fore.
After the incident, match referee David Gilbert proposed the punishment, which Nabi accepted. Since he admitted the mistake, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, as well as third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan.
Afghanistan waiting for first win
The minimum punishment in the ICC’s Level-1 category is an official reprimand, while a maximum penalty of up to 50 percent of the match fee and one or two demerit points can be given. If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within 24 months, they turn into suspension points and he can be banned.
Two suspension points mean suspension from one Test match or two ODIs or two T20 Internationals—whichever comes first. Demerit points remain in the player’s record for 24 months, after which they are automatically removed.
This action has come at a time when the Afghanistan team is still looking for its first win in the tournament. The team is already trying to find momentum and now after this development, everyone’s eyes will be on how Mohammad Nabi and his team bounce back in the upcoming matches.
