LAHORE (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been reprimanded and fined 20% of his match fee for a heated exchange with England’s Will Jacks during Sunday’s one-wicket tri-series win, taking him to five demerit points, the International Cricket Council said.
Rauf was found guilty of a Level 1 breach of Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers “displaying conduct contrary to the spirit of the game”. At the end of the 46th over of Pakistan’s chase, he appealed for a wide from the non-striker’s end and then argued with Jacks, raising his bat and carrying on the exchange despite a warning from umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, before brushing past the umpire as he walked towards the England all-rounder.
Five demerit points
One demerit point was added to his record, his third offence in 24 months, bringing his total to five. Under ICC rules, four or more demerit points within 24 months convert into two suspension points, the equivalent of a ban from one Test, two ODIs or two T20Is. Rauf served a two-ODI ban last year after breaches in three Asia Cup matches against India.
England were fined 15% of their match fee for finishing three overs short of their target after time allowances. Rauf and England captain Harry Brook admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, so no formal hearing was needed. The charges were brought by on-field umpires Rashid Riaz and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Wayne Knights and fourth umpire Nassir Hussain.
The last-wicket heist
The flashpoint came during one of Pakistan’s great escapes. Chasing 242 at the Gaddafi Stadium after Shaheen Shah Afridi took four wickets, Pakistan slumped to 154-9 before Shadab Khan struck a maiden international century, an unbeaten 113, and added 89 for the last wicket with Rauf, who hit the winning runs to send Pakistan into the final.
Pakistan, bowled out for 110 by Sri Lanka in their last group game, meet them again in the final in Lahore on Saturday. England play Sri Lanka on Thursday.
