Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been hit with a 10 per cent fine and another demerit point after a gesture made following Shafali Verma’s dismissal in the Women’s Asia Cup. The sanction has also pushed Sana’s disciplinary tally to two demerit points within 24 months.

The incident took place during the second over of India’s innings on Saturday. After dismissing India opener Shafali Verma, Sana made a gesture towards the pavilion.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday that the Pakistan captain had breached Level 1 Article 2.5 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

The provision covers actions or gestures that disparage a batter or could provoke an aggressive reaction from them after their dismissal during an international match.

Fatima Sana’s second offence in 24 months

The latest sanction means Sana has now picked up her second demerit point within a 24-month period.

Her previous demerit point came during the opening match of Pakistan’s T20I series against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.

Sana admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. As a result, no formal hearing was required.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan.

Under the ICC Code of Conduct, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and can result in a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

Sana's latest punishment therefore adds both a financial penalty and another disciplinary point following the incident involving Shafali.

What happened after Shafali Verma’s dismissal?

Sana dismissed Shafali early in India’s innings and then gestured towards the pavilion. The ICC subsequently deemed the gesture to fall under the provision relating to conduct that could disparage a dismissed batter or provoke an aggressive response.

With Sana accepting the charge and the proposed punishment, the matter was settled without the need for a formal hearing.

With PTI inputs