India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC code of conduct during the 2026 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
He was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the code of conduct which relates to "throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match."
The incident occurred in the 11th over of New Zealand's chase of 256, when Arshdeep fielded the ball on his follow-through and threw it towards the stumps, striking Daryl Mitchell on the pads. Arshdeep walked back to his mark without immediately apologising, prompting Mitchell to approach him seemingly to confront him. India captain Suryakumar Yadav stepped in to speak with Mitchell, while umpire Richard Illingworth was also seen having a brief word with Arshdeep. Arshdeep eventually apologised to Mitchell after the over.
Speaking to Harsha Bhogle after India's 96-run win, Arshdeep explained the incident. "Just went to apologise to Mitchell," he said. "My throw reverse-swung and hit him so just wanted to say sorry to him for that. It was not intentional."
In a video shared on the BlackCaps Instagram account, Arshdeep was seen apologising again to Mitchell, following which the pair shook hands.
The charge was levelled by the on-field umpires Illingworth and Alex Wharf, third umpire Allahuddien Paleker and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock.
It was Arshdeep's first offence in a 24-month period. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points.