Mohammad Abbas Sets New Pakistan Test Bowling Record Amid ICC Sanctions

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas broke Imran Khan's long‑standing Test bowling average record, moving to a 22.78 average after taking three wickets for 63 runs in the first innings and adding further wickets in the second innings of the first Test against the West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The achievement makes Abbas the leader among Pakistani bowlers with at least 100 Test wickets, surpassing Khan’s 22.81 average and joining an elite group of fast bowlers to reach 100 Test wickets away from home.

Following the match, the International Cricket Council imposed discipline on Abbas and teammate Khurram Shahzad for aggressive celebrations. Each received a demerit point; Shahzad was fined 15 % of his match fee, while Abbas was given an official reprimand. The penalties relate to actions perceived as provocative toward dismissed batters during the West Indies second innings. Both players accepted the sanctions, which count toward potential future suspensions if further breaches occur.