Haris Rauf, the Pakistani fast bowler, has received a fine amounting to 20% of his match fee following a confrontation with England’s Will Jacks and umpire Sharfuddoula during Sunday’s close match in Lahore, which Pakistan won by a single wicket.
Previously, Rauf was handed a two-match suspension for breaching the ICC’s code of conduct at last year’s Asia Cup. This recent incident has now resulted in him receiving a fifth demerit point within the last 14 months. Should Rauf accrue three more demerit points by 13 September of next year, within a 24-month period from his initial offence, he risks a four-match suspension.
The altercation occurred at the close of the 46th over. Rauf, positioned at the non-striker’s end, displayed visible irritation when Sharfuddoula did not call Sam Curran’s bouncer to Shadab Khan a wide. Rauf expressed his displeasure by gesturing towards Jacks, who was standing mid-on, and proceeded to walk directly towards him despite Sharfuddoula’s intervention efforts.
The situation escalated as Rauf continued his verbal exchange with Jacks until Joe Root intervened to pacify the situation. Ultimately, Pakistan secured victory with Rauf hitting a decisive boundary against debutant Henry Crocombe, concluding the match with 17 balls still in hand. Post-match, Rauf and Jacks were observed engaging in a further exchange while the teams exchanged handshakes.
The ICC confirmed on Wednesday that Rauf had breached Article 2.20 of its code of conduct, which pertains to conduct deemed contrary to the spirit of the game. Rauf admitted to the charges brought against him and accepted the penalty, which includes a fine and the addition of a demerit point.
In related news, England’s team faced their own fines, receiving a 15% reduction in match fees due to a slow over-rate, being three overs short. England’s captain, Harry Brook, accepted both the charge and the subsequent sanction.
