The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a fine on Pakistan for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand, held on Thursday.
According to an ICC press release, Pakistan was fined 5% of their match fee for falling behind the required over-rate in the tournament’s opening match in Karachi. The fine was imposed after Pakistan was found to be one over short of the target, even after considering time allowances.
On-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, along with third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Alex Wharf, charged Pakistan for the slow over-rate. Match referee Andy Pycroft applied the sanction, deducting 5% of the match fee. Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, admitted guilt to the offence, eliminating the need for a formal hearing, the ICC stated.
As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allocated time.
In the match, Pakistan fell short in their chase of New Zealand’s 321-run target, concluding their innings at 260 all out.
Despite Rizwan’s pre-match warnings about Pakistan’s weaknesses, the team struggled to address their issues, once again repeating past mistakes and leaving themselves with no margin for error.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in a crucial match on Sunday, with the pressure on the Green Shirts to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
In a squad update, Fakhar Zaman, who was injured during the opening match, will not be making the trip to Dubai. Imam-ul-Haq has been approved as his replacement for the remainder of the tournament.
