Sana fined for sendoff gesture in Asia Cup clash

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and given a demerit point for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during Saturday’s Women’s Asia Cup match against India in Dubai. The sanction relates to Article 2.5, covering actions or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter. The incident occurred after Sana removed Shafali Verma, gesturing towards the pavilion following a simple return catch.

It is her second offence within 24 months, raising her tally to two demerit points after a previous sanction against Ireland in August 2025. Despite Pakistan’s heavy defeat, Sana claimed three wickets, with Shafali her first breakthrough. She accepted the charge, avoiding a formal hearing. Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from reprimands to fines of up to 50 per cent of match fees. Pakistan now turn their focus to Monday’s crucial fixture against Hong Kong, China.