Asia Cup: Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman receive ICC reprimand for Code of Conduct breach

Afghanistan’s Asia Cup exit marred by ICC sanctions for Noor, Mujeeb.

Afghanistan’s Asia Cup campaign ended on a sour note after spinners Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were reprimanded for separate breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during their group-stage defeat to Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. Both players received official reprimands and one demerit point each — their first disciplinary marks in the ongoing 24-month cycle.

The ICC confirmed Noor was sanctioned under Article 2.8 for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision after disputing a wide call in the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. Mujeeb was found guilty under Article 2.2 for damaging equipment, having broken the stumps with his towel in frustration.

Match referee Richie Richardson oversaw the process, with both players admitting their offences and accepting the penalties, avoiding the need for a hearing. The charges were laid by on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Virender Sharma, third umpire Faisal Afridi and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit.

Level 1 offences typically carry a reprimand, fines up to 50 percent of a match fee, and one or two demerit points. Accumulating four or more demerit points in 24 months results in suspension points, leading to automatic bans.

Afghanistan’s disciplinary setback capped a disappointing tournament, as they bowed out after successive defeats. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, sealed a six-wicket win to remain unbeaten and progress to the Super Four stage alongside Bangladesh.