Zimbabwe National Cricket Team batter Sean Williams has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during Zimbabwe's second ODI against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval in Bulawayo on November 26.

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The 38-year-old was penalized for showing dissent at the umpire’s decision after being given out lbw.

The violation occurred during the 26th over of Zimbabwe’s innings when Williams was dismissed for 31 off 39 balls by Pakistan's Saim Ayub. Williams, visibly unhappy with the decision, pointed to his bat, indicating his disagreement with the umpire's call. This act of dissent resulted in him being charged with violating Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.

The charge was levelled by the on-field umpires Michael Gough and Forster Mutizwa, alongside third umpire Iknow Chabi and fourth umpire Langton Rusere. Williams admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction by Andy Pycroft, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. As a result, no formal hearing was required.

According to the ICC Code of Conduct, Level 1 breaches can result in penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of the player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points. In Williams' case, he received a formal reprimand without further financial penalties.

Despite Williams' efforts with the bat, Zimbabwe was unable to secure a victory. Pakistan won the match convincingly by 10 wickets, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Zimbabwe had previously claimed victory in the first ODI by 80 runs (DLS method) at the same venue.