Salman Ali Agha reprimanded for ICC code breach during Bangladesh Test

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been officially reprimanded for breaching the International Cricket Council's code of conduct during the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

According to the ICC's disciplinary process outlined in the report, Agha was found to have violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which concerns abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match.

The incident took place in the 82nd over of Pakistan's second innings on Tuesday. After being dismissed, Agha struck an advertising board with his bat while returning to the pavilion.

In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. This was his second offence in a 24-month period, taking his tally to two demerit points. His earlier offence also fell under Article 2.2 and occurred during a one-day international against Bangladesh in Dhaka on March 13 this year.

Agha admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, which meant there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Allahuddien Palekar, third umpire Kumar Dharmasena and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul.

Penalty framework

Under the ICC's code, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum sanction of an official reprimand and can result in a penalty of up to 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

Pakistan slip in WTC standings

The disciplinary action came as Pakistan also endured a difficult result in the match itself. The team dropped to eighth place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings after losing the second Test to Bangladesh by 78 runs in Sylhet.

The defeat allowed Bangladesh to complete a 2-0 sweep in the two-match series, with the hosts sealing the contest in the morning session on the final day.

Pakistan were set a target of 437 and were bowled out for 358 in 97.2 overs. Their chase was anchored by Mohammad Rizwan, who made 94 from 166 balls and hit 10 boundaries.

Bangladesh's bowling effort was led by Taijul Islam, who returned figures of 6/120 in 34.2 overs. Nahid Rana took two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed one each.

The result compounded Pakistan's disappointing outing in the series, while Agha's reprimand added a disciplinary setback to the team's on-field struggles in Sylhet.