Munro and Rizwan Penalized for Code of Conduct Breach

Islamabad United’s Colin Munro and Multan Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan have each been penalized with a 30 percent reduction in their match fees. This action follows a Level 2 breach of the HBL PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

The infraction took place during the 10th over of Islamabad United’s innings. It was determined to be a contravention of Article 2.13, which addresses abusive behavior directed towards players, support staff, umpires, or the match referee.

The issue arose when Munro, after defending a delivery from Iftikhar Ahmed, made a gesture that commentators and viewers interpreted as alluding to an illegitimate bowling action. This immediately sparked a reaction from Iftikhar, who approached the umpires to voice his concerns.

The situation intensified with Mohammad Rizwan’s involvement, leading to a tense exchange with Munro before umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown intervened to restore order.

Both Munro and Rizwan acknowledged the offense and accepted the penalties levied by match referee Ali Naqvi.

Subsequently, Iftikhar had the last laugh when fellow New Zealander Michael Bracewell removed Munro in the subsequent over. The dismissal prompted a lively response from Iftikhar in the dressing room.

Despite the disruption, Islamabad United successfully chased their target of 169 runs, securing a seven-wicket victory with 17 balls remaining.

Earlier in the innings, Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed by Ubaid Shah in the third over, having scored 22 runs from 13 deliveries, including three boundaries and a six.

Colin Munro and Agha Salman Gous then stabilized the innings with an 81-run partnership. Munro contributed 43 runs off 29 balls before being dismissed by Bracewell in the 11th over. Gous remained at the crease, guiding the innings with an impressive 80 runs off 45 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes.

With this victory, Islamabad United has now won their last five matches, maintaining their position at the top of the standings with 10 points. Their next match is against Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 30.