DUBAI (Web Desk) — Gull Feroza has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct during Pakistan’s Group A clash against Australia in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The ICC confirmed that the Pakistan opening batter committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The article deals with the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment or fixtures during an international match.
In addition to an official reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Gull’s disciplinary record. According to the ICC, it is the first offence recorded against the Pakistan player during the current 24-month monitoring period.
The disciplinary action stems from an incident that occurred during the second over of Pakistan’s innings. After being dismissed, Gull reacted in frustration by throwing her bat and gloves aggressively near the Pakistan team dugout. Match officials deemed the act a breach of the Code of Conduct because it involved the misuse of cricket equipment during an international fixture.
The ICC said Gull admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Michell Pereira. As a result, there was no requirement for a formal disciplinary hearing, allowing the matter to be resolved immediately after the match.
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The charge was levelled by the officiating team comprising on-field umpires Sue Redfern and Vrinda Rathi, third umpire Jacquline Williams and fourth umpire Shathira Jakir Jesy.
Level 1 offences represent the least serious category under the ICC’s disciplinary framework. However, the governing body treats such incidents seriously to maintain discipline and uphold the spirit of cricket during international competitions.
Under the ICC Code of Conduct, a Level 1 breach carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and may result in a maximum fine of 50 percent of a player’s match fee. Depending on the circumstances, players can also receive one or two demerit points on their disciplinary record.
Demerit points remain active for 24 months. If a player accumulates multiple demerit points during that period, they may be converted into suspension points, which can ultimately lead to bans from international matches. Since this is Gull’s first offence within two years, she faces no suspension and remains eligible to represent Pakistan in the remainder of the tournament.
The ICC introduced the demerit points system to encourage players to maintain high standards of behaviour while ensuring that repeated misconduct is dealt with progressively. The framework is intended to promote respect for opponents, match officials and the game itself.
Although emotional reactions are not uncommon in high-pressure tournaments, the ICC expects players to exercise self-control regardless of the match situation. Throwing equipment or displaying aggressive behaviour is considered unacceptable because it can damage property, create safety risks and undermine the image of the sport.
Pakistan endured a difficult outing against Australia, and Gull’s dismissal came at a crucial stage of the innings. Her visible frustration reflected the pressure of competing at the highest level, but the ICC stressed that players remain responsible for their conduct even during emotionally charged moments.
The latest disciplinary decision serves as a reminder to all players participating in ICC events that maintaining composure is an essential part of professional cricket. While Gull’s offence resulted only in a reprimand and one demerit point, any future violations within the next 24 months could attract stricter penalties, including financial sanctions and possible suspension from international matches.
Despite the setback, Gull remains available for Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures in the Women’s T20 World Cup, where the national side will look to improve its performance and strengthen its chances of progressing in the tournament. The ICC’s decision closes the disciplinary matter, but it also reinforces the importance of sportsmanship and discipline on cricket’s biggest international stage.
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