Belfast, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been reprimanded and handed one demerit point for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct during the second ODI against Ireland in Bready, the ICC said on Tuesday.
Omarzai was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to showing dissent towards an umpire’s decision during an international match.
The incident occurred during Afghanistan’s innings in the second ODI, which was reduced to 47 overs per side following a rain delay.
Omarzai was given out in the 41st over but remained at the crease for an extended period and expressed his displeasure through gestures.
The Afghanistan all-rounder admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Dean Cosker of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees. As a result, no formal hearing was required.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Gareth Morrison and Roly Black, third umpire Johnny Kennedy and fourth umpire George Brolly.
The demerit point is Omarzai’s first disciplinary point in the past 24 months. A Level 1 breach under the ICC Code can result in an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
The disciplinary action came during a series in which Afghanistan have produced strong performances against Ireland. Afghanistan won the second ODI by 92 runs after posting 299 for eight, with Rashid Khan taking six wickets as Ireland were bowled out for 207 in 33.4 overs.
The opening ODI had been abandoned without a toss because of rain.
In the third ODI, Rashid Khan took three wickets and then scored an unbeaten 37 as Afghanistan chased down Ireland’s 206 with more than five overs to spare.
The three-wicket victory gave Afghanistan a 2-0 lead in the five-match series and secured their qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup in Southern Africa. It also confirmed Afghanistan’s fourth consecutive appearance at the global tournament.
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