Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined for showing dissent towards the umpire’s decision during a tense ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa. The incident occurred during a closely fought game that eventually went into a rare double Super Over finish.
Why Was Mohammad Nabi Fined?
The incident took place in the 14th over of Afghanistan’s innings when Nabi was seen involved in a prolonged discussion with the on-field umpires.
- The disagreement was related to South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi’s wristband.
- Nabi objected to the umpire’s ruling and continued the argument for an extended period.
- His actions were considered dissent at an umpire’s decision, which falls under a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
ICC Penalty Details
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the punishment with the following sanctions:
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Level | Level 1 breach of ICC Code of Conduct |
| Fine | 15% of match fee |
| Demerit Points | 1 demerit point |
| Hearing | Not required |
Nabi admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee David Gilbert, which meant the case was resolved without a formal hearing.
This was Nabi’s first offence in the last 24 months, which is why the punishment remained limited to a Level 1 penalty.
Match Context: A Thriller Decided in Double Super Over
The controversy came during a dramatic contest between Afghanistan and South Africa.
- The match ended in a tie after regular play.
- It went into a Super Over, which also ended level.
- South Africa finally secured victory in the second Super Over, earning the crucial points.
The intense nature of the match added to the pressure on players, leading to the on-field confrontation.
Read more? South Africa Beat Afghanistan After Double Super
What Does a Level 1 Offence Mean?
Level 1 breaches are the least severe under the ICC Code of Conduct and usually include:
- Showing dissent at umpire decisions
- Minor on-field misconduct
- Use of inappropriate language or gestures
Penalties typically range from a warning to a fine and demerit points.
Conclusion
Mohammad Nabi’s fine serves as a reminder of the ICC’s strict stance on maintaining discipline and respect for match officials. While the experienced all-rounder quickly accepted his mistake, Afghanistan will hope to keep their focus on performance as the T20 World Cup 2026 continues.
