UAE Captain Muhammad Waseem Fined for Criticizing Umpire Decisions in Nepal T20I

Kathmandu. United Arab Emirates (UAE) captain Muhammad Waseem has been penalized for publicly expressing dissatisfaction with umpire decisions during the second T20 International match against Nepal in Kirtipur.

After being dismissed lbw on the first ball of the match, Waseem made controversial remarks alleging bias by the umpire. Consequently, the ICC has imposed a fine of 15 percent of his match fee and handed him one demerit point. Waseem questioned the officiating during the post-match presentation ceremony following his team's eight-wicket defeat to Nepal, an act the ICC deemed a breach of its code of conduct.

Waseem had immediately voiced his frustration upon being dismissed, gesturing that the ball was swinging down the leg side. He was found guilty of a Level 1 offense under Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which carries a penalty ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50 percent of the match fee and the addition of demerit points.

This is the first time Waseem has committed such an offense in the last 24 months. The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Buddhi Pradhan and Binay Kumar, along with third umpire Durga Subedi and fourth umpire Sanjay Sigdel.

Waseem has accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Wendell Labrooy. As he admitted to the offense, there was no need for a formal hearing.