Fatima Sana Fined for Shafali Verma Send-Off as ICC Takes Action
Pakistan women’s captain Fatima Sana fined for Shafali Verma send-off after an incident during the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a 10 per cent fine on Fatima Sana’s match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
The incident happened after Fatima dismissed India opener Shafali Verma during India’s chase. The Pakistan captain gestured towards the pavilion after the dismissal, an action that was deemed to have breached the ICC’s rules regarding gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter.
ICC Fines Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana
The ICC confirmed on September 7 that Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee for a Level 1 breach of its Code of Conduct.
The offence falls under Article 2.5, which covers language, actions or gestures that disparage an opponent or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.
Along with the financial penalty, Fatima was given one demerit point.
This was her second offence within a 24-month period, taking her total to two demerit points. Her previous demerit point came during Pakistan’s T20I series against Ireland in Dublin on August 6, 2025.
Fatima Sana Penalised for Shafali Verma Send-Off
The controversy occurred during the second over of India’s innings.
Fatima Sana dismissed Shafali Verma and then pointed towards the pavilion. While the dismissal itself was an important moment for Pakistan, the gesture attracted attention and subsequently led to an ICC disciplinary action.
The incident came during a highly anticipated India vs Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup match. India eventually won the contest by seven wickets after Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 runs.
Fatima Sana Accepted the ICC Sanction
Fatima Sana admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees.
Because the Pakistan captain accepted the charge and punishment, there was no need for a formal disciplinary hearing.
The charge was brought by the match officials, including on-field umpires Nimali Perera and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Rokeya Sultana and fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan.
What Does Fatima Sana’s Demerit Point Mean?
Fatima Sana now has two demerit points on her disciplinary record within 24 months.
According to the ICC, demerit points remain on a player’s record for 24 months. If a player reaches four or more demerit points during that period, they can be converted into suspension points.
The ICC says two suspension points can result in a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first.
For now, Fatima’s latest punishment is limited to the 10 per cent match-fee fine and one additional demerit point.
India vs Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup Match
The incident took place during the India vs Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match in Dubai.
Pakistan struggled badly with the bat and were dismissed for only 55 runs. India then chased down the target comfortably to register a seven-wicket victory.
Fatima Sana was one of Pakistan’s key performers with the ball, but her send-off to Shafali Verma became one of the major talking points after the match.
ICC Takes Action Against Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana
The ICC’s decision underlines its focus on maintaining appropriate behaviour on the field, particularly during emotionally charged international matches.
Level 1 offences can result in an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee and one or two demerit points. Fatima received a 10 per cent fine and one demerit point for this incident.
The punishment does not prevent Fatima Sana from continuing to lead Pakistan in their upcoming Women’s Asia Cup matches.
Fatima Sana’s Next Match for Pakistan
Despite the ICC action, Fatima Sana remains available for Pakistan’s next Asia Cup fixture.
Pakistan are scheduled to face Hong Kong China, with qualification for the semi-finals still at stake. A win would strengthen Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
The disciplinary action therefore comes at an importantstage of the tournament, with Fatima still expected to play a major role as Pakistan’s captain and frontline all-rounder.
