Pakistan batter Gull Feroza has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women's Asia Cup Group A match between Pakistan and Hong Kong in Dubai on Monday, 8 September. The disciplinary action marks Feroza's second offence within a 24-month period, bringing her cumulative demerit tally to two points.

What Triggered the Charge

The incident took place in the fifth over of Pakistan's innings, immediately after Feroza was adjudged leg-before-wicket. She gestured towards her bat to indicate she believed the ball had struck the bat's edge — a visible show of dissent directed at the on-field umpire's call.

The charge was formally levelled by on-field umpires Rabab Ahsan and Rokeya Sultana, third umpire Shivani Mishra, and fourth umpire Shathira Jakir. Feroza was found guilty of breaching Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which specifically covers showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match.

Sanction Accepted Without Hearing

Feroza admitted the offence and accepted the penalty proposed by Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, thereby waiving the right to a formal hearing. The swift acceptance of the sanction is standard procedure under ICC disciplinary protocols when a player does not contest the charge.

Feroza's Disciplinary Record

This is not the first time Feroza has faced ICC disciplinary action. Her first demerit point was awarded for an incident during Pakistan's Women's T20 World Cup league match against Australia on 23 June. The latest offence now places her at two demerit points within the rolling 24-month window — halfway to the threshold that triggers a suspension.

Notably, under the ICC disciplinary framework, four or more demerit points accumulated within any 24-month period are converted into suspension points. Two suspension points result in a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is — whichever format the player is next scheduled to participate in. Demerit points remain on a player's record for 24 months from the date of imposition.

ICC Code of Conduct: Level 1 Explained

The breach falls under a Level 1 offence — the least severe tier of the ICC's four-level disciplinary system. Level 1 sanctions carry a minimum of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, alongside one or two demerit points. Feroza's 10 per cent fine sits at the lower end of that range, reflecting the nature of the offence and, likely, her prompt admission.

With two demerit points now on her record and the Women's Asia Cup still ongoing, Feroza will need to avoid any further disciplinary incidents to remain eligible for Pakistan's remaining matches in the tournament.