In a dramatic turn during the T20 World Cup 2026 match in Ahmedabad, Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been slapped with a 15% fine on his match fee by the ICC. The action came after Nabi was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct against South Africa.
The incident unfolded in the 14th over of Afghanistan’s innings when Nabi engaged in a heated exchange with the umpires over South African bowler Lungi Ngidi’s wristband. This violation fell under Article 2.4, which pertains to disregarding an umpire’s instructions during an international match.
Beyond the monetary penalty, Nabi’s disciplinary record now carries one demerit point. Fortunately for him, this marks his first such offense in the past 24 months. Nabi accepted the charge and the sanction imposed by Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees’ David Gilbert, averting the need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Jairam Madanagopal and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, along with third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan, reported the breach. Level 1 offenses typically range from an official reprimand to a maximum 50% match fee deduction and one or two demerit points.
The match itself was a thriller, culminating in two Super Overs. South Africa, batting first after losing the toss, posted 187 in their 20 overs. Afghanistan matched it exactly in 19.4 overs, forcing a Super Over. Both teams scored 17 in the first, leading to a second where South Africa set 23.
Chasing 24, Afghanistan lost Nabi for a duck off the first two balls. Rahmanullah Gurbaz then unleashed three massive sixes off Keshav Maharaj in the next three legitimate deliveries, but a wide followed. On the final ball, needing 5, Gurbaz fell, handing South Africa a thrilling 4-run victory.
This loss has all but ended Afghanistan’s hopes of advancing to the Super 8 stage, leaving fans heartbroken after such a valiant effort.