Aiden Markram abuses, but ICC punishes Mohammad Nabi in Lungi Ngidi wristband row

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has punished Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi for his conduct during the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against South Africa. As per the ICC statement, the veteran all-rounder has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The Proteas defeated Afghanistan in a double Super Over thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 11. South Africa moved to second place in the Group D points table after back-to-back victories. Meanwhile, Afghanistan are on the verge of elimination after two losses.

Mohammad Nabi Argues With Umpires Over Lungi Ngidi’s Wristbands

Mohammad Nabi was involved in a heated exchange with the on-field umpires during Afghanistan’s innings against South Africa. The incident occurred at the start of the 14th over when Lungi Ngidi was about to bowl.

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Nabi stopped play to raise an objection over Ngidi wearing yellow wristbands on both wrists. The Afghanistan all-rounder argued that the bright bands were distracting and made it difficult for him to pick up the white ball.

The discussion became animated, with Nabi refusing to back down. Ngidi eventually removed one wristband to ease the situation. South Africa captain Aiden Markram stepped in to calm matters before play resumed.

The umpires initially sided against the batter, while Aiden Markram was heard urging Ngidi to keep the wristband on and continue bowling.

“Gebruik dit [use it], sy p*es man, gebruik dit, gebruik dit, sy p*es! (Use it, man, use it, use it — damn it!)”

Mohammad Nabi Fined 15 Per Cent of Match Fee for Code of Conduct Breach

On Tuesday, February 12, the ICC announced that Mohammad Nabi has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee. According to the official release, Nabi was found guilty of violating Article 2.4, and one demerit point has been added.

“Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match against South Africa,” the statement read.

“Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match.'”

Afghanistan Lose Double Super Over Thriller Despite Dramatic Finish

Chasing 188, Afghanistan were bowled out for 187 runs, forcing the game into a Super Over. Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out at the non-striker’s end when two runs were required from the final ball.

Notably, the first Super Over also ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 17 runs. Tristan Stubbs smashed a six on the final ball when seven runs were needed, forcing the match into a second Super Over.

In the second Super Over, South Africa smashed 23 runs, leaving Afghanistan a mountain to climb. Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit six consecutive sixes after Mohammad Nabi’s dismissal.

Afghanistan lost by just three runs after Gurbaz was caught on the final ball. Lungi Ngidi picked up three wickets in regulation time and was named Player of the Match.

Also read: Dale Steyn tears open Pakistan’s World Cup scars vs India