"Babar Azam Faces ICC Sanction: Does It Affect Pakistan’s ODI Victory?"

Pakistani cricket star Babar Azam has been fined for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. In the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday in Rawalpindi, Babar was penalised 10 percent of his match fee after violating Level 1 of the ICC's Code of Conduct.

Babar was found guilty under ICC’s clause 2.2, which relates to the "improper use of cricket equipment or clothing, field equipment, or the facilities during an international match." In addition to the fine, Babar has also been given a demerit point on his disciplinary record. This was his first breach in the last 24 months.

The incident took place during Pakistan’s innings in the 21st over of the match. After being dismissed, Babar struck the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease. He later admitted his offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Ali Nadhir, the ICC match referee. As a result, no formal hearing was required.

The fine is a common consequence for a Level 1 breach, which can range from a minimum warning to a maximum of 50 percent of the match fee and one or two demerit points.

Despite this penalty, Babar’s performance in the Sri Lanka series was exceptional. In three matches, he scored 165 runs at an average of 82.50, including an unbeaten 102 in the second ODI. Thanks to his outstanding contributions, Pakistan swept the series 3-0, humiliating Sri Lanka in the process.