Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct in the first T20I against New Zealand on 16 March 2025 in Christchurch. The incident occurred in the 8th over when he collided with New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes. Match referee Jeff Crowe and umpires Wayne Knights and Sam Nogajski ruled it as “forceful physical contact” that was careless and avoidable.
Khushdil violated Article 2.12 of the ICC Code, which addresses improper physical contact. He accepted the charge, avoiding a formal hearing. As a result, the ICC added three demerit points to his disciplinary record. If he reaches four within 24 months, he could face suspension.
Pakistan struggled in the match, managing only 91 runs in Salman Ali Agha’s first game as full-time T20I captain. Khushdil scored 32 off 30 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to support him. Agha made 18 and Jahandad Khan added 17. The team collapsed before completing 20 overs as the entire team got bowled out.
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New Zealand’s bowlers dominated. Jacob Duffy took 4 wickets for 14 runs, while Kyle Jamieson grabbed 3 for 8. They dismantled Pakistan’s batting order with ease.
Chasing 92, New Zealand cruised to victory, losing just one wicket. Tim Seifert top-scored with 44 off 29 balls before Abrar Ahmed dismissed him. Finn Allen (29*) and Tim Robinson (18*) sealed the nine-wicket win with 59 balls remaining giving them the lead in the five-match series.
Khushdil’s incident underscores the importance of maintaining discipline on the field, as he now carries three demerit points with the risk of a future suspension if further offences occur.
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