Explained: Why Gull Feroza was fined in the Women’s Asia Cup match against Hong Kong

Pakistan’s top‑order batter Gull Feroza has been fined 10% of her match fee and handed a demerit point following Pakistan’s 72‑run win over Hong Kong in a Group A fixture of the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It was the hard-hitting right-hander's second offence within 24 months, bringing her total to two demerit points in that window.

The incident occurred on the first ball of the fifth over of Pakistan’s innings when Feroza was pinned in front by left‑arm wrist‑spinner Kary Chan. The delivery was too full to sweep, and Feroza was beaten comprehensively. She was given out on the field and had no option to review the decision, as the tournament does not use the DRS.

She was penalised for showing “dissent towards the on‑field umpire’s decision by gesturing to her bat to indicate she had got an edge”.

Why was Gull Feroza penalised?

Feroza was sanctioned for pointing to her bat and suggesting she had inside‑edged the delivery. However, Article 2.8 (Showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match) of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel prohibits such actions.

The ICC’s definition states:

"Without limitation, Article 2.8 includes: (a) excessive, obvious disappointment with an Umpire’s decision; (b) an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; (c) shaking the head; (d) pointing or looking at the inside edge when given out lbw; (e) pointing to the pad or rubbing the shoulder when caught behind; (f) snatching the cap from the Umpire; (g) requesting a referral to the TV Umpire (other than in the context of a legitimate request for a referral as may be permitted in such International Match); and (h) arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his/her decision.

"This offence is not intended to punish a batter showing his/her instinctive disappointment at his/her dismissal. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) should be considered: (i) whether the conduct contains an element of anger or abuse which is directed at the Umpire or the Umpire’s decision; (ii) whether there is excessive delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; or (iii) whether there is persistent re-reference to the incident over time.

"It shall not be a defence to any charge brought under this Article to show that the Umpire might have, or in fact did, get any decision wrong."

Notably, Feroza's captain, Fatima Sana, was also fined 10 per cent of her match fee and received a demerit point for her over-the-top send-off to India's opening batter Shafali Verma. She has also accumulated two demerit points in a 24-month cycle.