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Andrew Balbirnie Fined For Showing Dissent On Umpire's Decision In 2nd T20I Vs AFG

Balbirnie (L) fined for code of conduct breach (X.com)Balbirnie (L) fined for code of conduct breach (X.com)

Ireland's opening batter, Andrew Balbirnie, was found guilty of breaching ICC's player code of conduct during a recent T20 international against Afghanistan after objecting to the on-field umpire's LBW dismissal call.

Afghanistan played Ireland in the second T20I of the three-game series on Sunday. Afghanistan batted first and, despite an early collapse, managed to set up a 153-run chase for the Irish cricket team. 

Meanwhile, during a crucial phase of the chase, Andrew Balbirnie, batting at 45, was adjudged leg before wicket by the on-field umpire. 

However, he argued that the ball touched a part of his gloves before hitting the pads. But, the umpire refused to budge, and due to the non-availability of DRS, the batter dragged himself out of the field, visibly disappointed.

While Ireland lost the game by ten runs, Balbirnie landed himself in trouble for his unpleasant showdown with the umpire. 

After the match officials levelled the charges of a level 1 breach of the ICC players' code of conduct, the match referee pronounced him guilty of the offence. 

Even the Ireland batter accepted the charges, thus avoiding a formal hearing before the ICC's ethics panel.

Accordingly, a 25% match fee fine and a demerit point were imposed on Balbirnie, which will go down in his disciplinary record. Subsequent breaches of similar fashion within the 24-month period could result in a ban for him. 

That said, Ireland are still alive in the competition as the three-game T20I series stays levelled at 1-1. The final match will be held later in the day at Sharjah Cricket Stadium from 9.30 PM IST onwards.