Afghanistan bowlers Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have been formally warned by the ICC for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in their Asia Cup 2025 encounter with Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.
The match, which resulted in a six-wicket defeat for Afghanistan and their tournament exit, witnessed sparks as both bowlers showed flashes of anger on the field.
Noor Ahmad was drawn up for contravening Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct, concerning “expressing dissent at an umpire’s call during a international match.” The action took place in the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s team when one of his deliveries was ruled a wide by an umpire. Noor seemed visibly upset with the call.
At the same time, Mujeeb Ur Rahman was accused under Article 2.2, which deals with the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing.” In the game, Mujeeb strangely used his towel to snap the stumps – an action considered as unacceptable behavior by the ICC.
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Consequently, both players received one demerit point each. This is their initial offence in a 24-month cycle. Because both players owned up to their offences and accepted the sanctions recommended by match referee Richie Richardson, no official hearings were required.
The allegations were made by the field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Virender Sharma, third umpire Faisal Afridi, and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit.
The game itself was a disappointing one for Afghanistan, as they lost their second game in succession in the Asia Cup 2025 and were thereby knocked out of the Super Four race. For a side that had given hints of promise, this disciplinary blunder was the proverbial cherry on top.
Though small, such admonishments remind players to keep their cool and be professional – particularly on a grand stage such as the Asia Cup.
