Afghanistan spinners Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their Asia Cup 2025 clash against Sri Lanka. The match, held on Thursday, September 18, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, ended in a six-wicket defeat for Afghanistan.
Left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad was cited for showing dissent towards an umpire’s decision under Article 2.8, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman was penalized for misuse of cricket equipment or ground fittings as outlined in Article 2.2. Both players were handed one demerit point each.
The charges were brought by on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Virender Sharma, along with third umpire Rohan Padit. No formal hearing took place, as Ahmad and Rahman accepted the sanctions recommended by match referee Richie Richardson.
Afghanistan's spin duo have been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. https://t.co/mC4iJNjcEp
— ICC (@ICC) September 20, 2025
Ahmad violated the ICC Code of Conduct in the 17th over of Sri Lanka’s innings by showing dissent after the umpire called a wide. Rahman was penalized for striking the stumps with his towel during the game. Sri Lanka successfully chased the 170-run target in 18.4 overs, led by opener Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74 off 52 balls. Ahmad claimed one wicket for 37 runs in three overs, while Rahman ended with figures of 3.4-0-42-1.
Afghanistan Eliminated From 2025 Asia Cup In Group Stage
Afghanistan had a disappointing 2025 Asia Cup campaign, failing to reach the Super 4 stage. They began with a strong 94-run win over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, but Rashid Khan and his team struggled afterwards, losing consecutive matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and ultimately finishing third in Group B.
From Group A, India and Pakistan progressed to the Super 4, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced from Group B. The Super 4 stage kicks off with a clash between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 21.
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