Gull Feroza Fined for Showing Dissent During Women’s T20 Asia Cup Match

Pakistan top-order batter Gull Feroza has been fined 10% of her match fee and handed one demerit point for showing dissent towards an on-field umpire’s decision during Pakistan’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup match against Hong Kong.

The incident occurred during the fifth over of Pakistan’s innings after the team elected to bat. Feroza attempted to sweep a tossed-up delivery from Hong Kong’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kary Chan, but appeared to miss the ball, which struck her pad in front of the stumps.

The on-field umpire gave Feroza out LBW. With no Decision Review System (DRS) available in the tournament, the Pakistan batter had to leave the field.

However, while walking back to the pavilion, Feroza gestured towards her bat to indicate that she believed she had edged the delivery. The International Cricket Council (ICC) considered the gesture an expression of dissent towards the umpire’s decision, in violation of Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players.

Feroza admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee, meaning no formal hearing was required.

The incident was particularly significant because it was Feroza’s second offence within a 24-month period. The latest demerit point takes her total to two during that period.

Feroza is the second Pakistan player to face disciplinary action during the ongoing Asia Cup. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was previously fined 10% of her match fee and awarded one demerit point for a send-off gesture directed at India batter Shafali Verma during their match on Saturday.

That incident occurred in the second over of India’s chase of Pakistan’s 55. Shafali returned a catch to Sana, who was bowling at the time. Sana then gestured towards the pavilion while celebrating the dismissal, drawing the attention of match officials.

Meanwhile, Pakistan secured their place in the semi-finals with a convincing 72-run victory over Hong Kong. The result made them the second team from Group A to qualify for the knockout stage.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on Friday, while Bangladesh and India will meet in the first semi-final on Thursday.