Hashmatullah Shahidi Fined by ICC for Code of Conduct Breach Against India

Hashmatullah Shahidi Fined by ICC for Code of Conduct Breach Against India

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI against India in Chennai. The disciplinary action came despite Shahidi producing a courageous century, with the left-handed batter receiving an official warning and one demerit point for repeatedly running on the protected area of the pitch.

The incident added an unusual twist to a match that was otherwise remembered for India's dominant nine-wicket victory and Prasidh Krishna's career-best bowling performance.

ICC Takes Action Against Shahidi

According to the ICC, Shahidi was found guilty of violating Article 2.10.10 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with a batter causing deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch.

The Afghanistan skipper received an official reprimand, while one demerit point was added to his disciplinary record. It is Shahidi's first offence within a 24-month period.

During his innings, match officials had already warned the batter twice for running on the protected area of the pitch. An official warning followed in the 31st over, but Shahidi again entered the restricted zone during the 40th over, resulting in a five-run penalty being awarded to India.

A Brilliant Century Overshadowed

Despite the disciplinary issue, Shahidi produced one of the finest innings of his ODI career.

Walking in after Afghanistan suffered an early collapse, the captain displayed remarkable composure and determination to score 102 runs, his maiden ODI century. He stitched together valuable partnerships and guided Afghanistan from a precarious position to a respectable total of 218 all out in 44.2 overs.

His knock featured elegant stroke play and immense resilience, giving Afghanistan hope after losing four wickets inside the first ten overs.

However, his innings eventually ended when Prasidh Krishna dismissed him to complete a memorable five-wicket haul.

Prasidh Krishna Stars With the Ball

India's victory was built around an outstanding bowling display from Prasidh Krishna.

The right-arm pacer exploited the pace and bounce available in Chennai to register career-best figures of 5 for 23 in nine overs, claiming four wickets inside the powerplay and dismantling Afghanistan's top order.

His disciplined lengths and attacking approach prevented Afghanistan from building momentum despite Shahidi's resistance.

The performance marked Prasidh's maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket and further strengthened his claim for a regular place in India's white-ball setup.

Jaiswal and Rohit Complete a Comfortable Chase

India made light work of the 219-run target thanks to another sensational opening partnership.

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his dream start to ODI cricket with an unbeaten 110 from 86 balls, registering his second century in just three innings. Senior opener Rohit Sharma provided perfect support with a fluent 79 as the pair shared a dominant 170-run opening stand.

Interestingly, five of those runs came from the penalty awarded to India following Shahidi's repeated breach of the protected area.

India chased down the target with 128 balls remaining, completing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory and sealing a 3-0 series sweep over Afghanistan.

A Lesson for the Afghanistan Captain

While Hashmatullah Shahidi will take pride in his maiden ODI century and determined leadership, the ICC reprimand serves as an important reminder of maintaining discipline and respecting the playing conditions.

For India, the match highlighted the emergence of Prasidh Krishna and Yashasvi Jaiswal as match-winners, while Shubman Gill celebrated his first ODI series victory as captain.

Despite the disciplinary setback, Shahidi's fighting hundred remained one of the standout individual performances of the series, proving once again that he is the backbone of Afghanistan's batting lineup.