Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha Reprimanded for Code of Conduct Breach Following Bizarre Run-Out in 2nd ODI
Pakistan middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second One-Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The disciplinary action stems from Agha showing visible frustration after a highly unusual run-out dismissal.
The 39th-Over Run-Out Controversy
The incident occurred during the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings. Striker Mohammad Rizwan pushed a delivery from Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz straight back down the pitch. Miraz stopped the ball with his boot. At the non-striker’s end, Agha, who was standing outside his crease, attempted to pick up the stationary ball to toss it back to the bowler.
Reacting swiftly, Miraz grabbed the ball and underarmed it into the stumps before Agha could ground his bat. On-field umpire Tanvir Ahmed referred the decision to third umpire Kumar Dharmasena, who ruled that the ball was still live, making the run-out valid. Agha, dismissed for 64 off 62 deliveries, exchanged words with Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das and threw his batting gloves in frustration while walking off the field.
ICC Disciplinary Action
Match referee Neeyamur Rashid charged Agha with a Level 1 breach of the playing conditions. Specifically, the Pakistan international violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match.
- Offense: Level 1 breach (Article 2.2)
- Penalty: Official reprimand and 1 demerit point
- Player Record: First offense in the current 24-month period
Rashid clarified the match officials’ stance, stating that the neutral judgment focused entirely on the equipment abuse rather than the verbal exchange with Das. The match referee noted that Agha’s clean disciplinary history played a factor in avoiding a financial penalty.
Match Result and Series Context
Despite the contentious dismissal, Pakistan secured a 128-run victory over Bangladesh via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. The win keeps Pakistan competitive in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings and levels the series, setting up a final match at the same venue.
Match Statistics Summary
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 2nd ODI |
| Venue | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur |
| Salman Ali Agha Score | 64 runs (62 balls) |
| Match Result | Pakistan won by 128 runs (DLS Method) |
For complete historical match data and player scorecards, consult ESPNcricinfo.