LAHORE: Pakistan have been penalised eight ICC World Test Championship points and fined 40 percent of their match fee for a slow over-rate during the first Test against Bangladesh at Mirpur.
Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Pakistan were found to be eight overs short of the required rate once time allowances were factored in.
Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five percent of their match fee for each over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. With Pakistan eight overs behind, the total fine came to 40 percent.
In addition, Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions stipulates that a team loses one championship point for every over short. As a result, eight WTC points have been deducted from Pakistan’s tally.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, meaning no formal hearing was required, the ICC said. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, third umpire Allahuddien Palekar, and fourth umpire Gazi Sohel.
The eight-point deduction could prove costly in the tightly contested World Test Championship cycle, where net points directly affect qualification for the final. Pakistan’s slow over-rate was recorded despite multiple pace options and favorable conditions in Dhaka.
The ICC has been strict on over-rates in the current WTC cycle to improve pace of play and broadcast scheduling. Teams are given allowances for wickets, injuries, and DRS, but must still meet the minimum of 15 overs per hour in Tests.
