Afghanistan’s star player Mohammad Nabi faced ICC wrath on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, where he was fined 15% of his match fee for a Code of Conduct breach in the T20 World Cup 2026 showdown with South Africa. The seasoned cricketer admitted to violating Article 2.4 by failing to heed umpire instructions.
Tensions boiled over at the start of the 14th over during Afghanistan’s chase, centered on bowler Lungi Ngidi’s wristband. Nabi’s prolonged argument with the officials led to the sanction, plus a demerit point on his record – his first in two years.
Match referee David Gilbert handed down the punishment, which Nabi promptly accepted, skipping any hearing. The umpiring team – Jaram Madanagopal, Sharfuddoula, Nitin Menon, and K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan – lodged the complaint under Level 1, the mildest infraction category.
What made the fine sting more was the context: an edge-of-the-seat encounter. South Africa racked up 187/6 after being put in. Afghanistan replied with 187 all out in 19.4 overs, triggering Super Overs. The first ended 17-17, and in the decider, South Africa’s 23 proved just beyond reach.
Nabi’s early Super Over dismissal for nought set the tone. Gurbaz’s heroic three sixes brought hope, but a wide and his subsequent wicket sealed a heartbreaking 4-run defeat. With this result, Afghanistan’s Super 8 dreams lie in tatters, marking a bitter end to their campaign.