Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been docked 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during his side’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad.
Confirming the sanction, the ICC said in a statement: “Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match’.”
In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Nabi’s disciplinary record. It is his first offence in a 24-month period.
The incident took place at the start of the 14th over of Afghanistan’s innings, when Nabi was involved in a prolonged discussion with the on-field umpires regarding South African pacer Lungi Ngidi’s wristband. The exchange led to the charge being laid under Article 2.4.
Nabi admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by ICC match referee David Gilbert, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum sanction 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.
The disciplinary development came on the back of a dramatic contest that dealt a blow to Afghanistan’s hopes of reaching the Super 8 stage for a second consecutive edition. Nabi’s side slumped to their second straight defeat of the tournament, going down to South Africa in a thriller that required two Super Overs to determine the winner at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Despite several explosive contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz through the middle overs, Afghanistan fell short in what turned out to be one of the most gripping matches in T20 World Cup history. South Africa eventually sealed victory in the second Super Over, leaving Afghanistan with an uphill task in the remainder of their campaign.