PSL 2024: Sikandar Raza fined for code of conduct breach during Quetta Gladiators clash

The high-stakes atmosphere of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoff race boiled over on Sunday night as Lahore Qalandars' Sikandar Raza was fined 10% of his match fee. The incident occurred after Raza was seen showing dissent at the umpire's decisions during his side's crucial clash against Quetta Gladiators.

Chasing 167 for victory at the National Stadium in Karachi, the Gladiators registered a six-wicket win with no balls to spare. The Zimbabwean all-rounder, whose frustrations with the umpiring spilled over on multiple occasions was fined due to breaching Level 1 of the PSL code of conduct.

On three separate instances during Lahore's innings of 166/4, Raza was deemed to have violated Article 2.8 of the PSL's code of conduct by raising his arms, shaking his head, and gesturing that deliveries should have been called wide balls. His visible gesture did not go unnoticed by the on-field umpires.

Also read: Wasim Akram lambasts Shaheen Afridi after poor bowling in PSL

Quetta Gladiators defeated Lahore Qalandars by 6 wickets

After the match, umpires Chris Gaffaney and Rashid Riaz officially charged Raza for his Level 1 breach of conduct. Match referee Ali Naqvi reviewed the evidence and handed down the 10% fine.

The game itself was a thriller, with Saud Shakeel's unbeaten 88 off 65 balls guiding Quetta to their target after Lahore's skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi's explosive 55 off 34 to post 166/4. Shakeel was even awarded the Player of the Match for his valuable contribution to Quetta's victory. Raza, though, couldn't contribute much in the match, both with bat and ball. He scored only six runs and went wicket-less.

Also read: Viv Richards storms onto the field after Quetta Gladiators' thrilling win over Lahore Qalandars

PSL 2024 is at its business end with each team giving their level best to qualify for the eliminators. The final of the tournament is set to be played on 18th March in Karachi.