ICC fines Kranti Goud for send-off gesture in Asia Cup final
Kranti Goud fined 10 percent match fee for gesturing a Sri Lankan batter to pavilion after India's Asia Cup title win
The Women's Asia Cup 2026 final was played between India and Sri Lanka on September 13, with India winning the title by beating Sri Lanka by 72 runs. The Indian team batted well first and then bowled impressively to seal the win. But a controversy broke out after the match when Indian fast bowler Kranti Goud faced ICC action for gesturing to a Sri Lankan player to head to the pavilion.
Kranti Goud was found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct and was fined 10 percent of her match fee along with one demerit point. The article relates to using an offensive gesture, language or action towards a batter after their dismissal. This was Kranti Goud's first such offence in the last 24 months, which is why this penalty was handed out.
The incident happened in the very first over of Sri Lanka's innings. Sri Lankan batter Imesha Dulani hit a boundary through fine leg off Kranti Goud's very first ball. But three balls later, she tried to play the same shot again and was dismissed. It was at this point that Kranti Goud gestured to her to head to the pavilion. Kranti admitted her mistake herself, which meant a formal hearing was not required. The charge was laid by on-field umpires Saleema Imtiaz and Shathira Jakir Jesy, third umpire Ruqaiya Sultana and fourth umpire Humaira Farah.
Pakistan's women's cricket team has also been fined. The entire team's match fee was cut by 5 percent for a slow over rate in the semifinal against Sri Lanka. Chasing a target of 131, Sri Lanka won the match in just 18.4 overs. After the match ended, it emerged that the Pakistani team was one over behind the required rate. Match officials imposed the fine following a complaint by fourth umpire Rabab Ahsan, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana accepted it without objection.
The ICC had previously sanctioned Pakistan captain Fatima Sana as well. After dismissing Shafali Verma in the match against India, she had gestured towards the pavilion. Following this, the ICC deducted 10 percent of her match fee and added one demerit point to her account. Fatima Sana had also admitted her mistake.
