Pakistan fined 50pc, lose 11 WTC points for slow over-rate against England
Why Pakistan was fined
According to the ICC, players are fined 5pc of their match fee for every over their team fails to complete within the allotted time.
However, the total fine cannot exceed 50pc of a player’s match fee. Since Pakistan were found to be 11 overs short, the maximum financial penalty was applied.
The sanction was imposed by Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. The decision followed an assessment of the team’s over-rate after the required time allowances had been taken into consideration.
Pakistan lose 11 WTC points
The financial fine was not the only punishment faced by Pakistan.
Under the World Test Championship playing conditions, teams lose one championship point for every over they are short of the required rate. Pakistan were 11 overs behind the required rate.
They were therefore deducted 11 World Test Championship points. The deduction could affect Pakistan’s position in the championship standings as teams compete for points throughout the Test cycle.
Babar Azam accepts ICC sanction
Pakistan captain Babar Azam pleaded guilty to the slow over-rate offence.
He also accepted the proposed sanction on behalf of the team. As the captain accepted the charge and punishment, there was no need for a formal hearing.
The decision brought the disciplinary process to an end. Pakistan will now have to absorb the loss of both match fees and valuable World Test Championship points.
Officials level charges against Pakistan
The slow over-rate charge was brought by the match officials involved in the third Test. On-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney levelled the charge.
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Third umpire Allahudien Palekar and fourth umpire Russell Warren were also part of the officiating team that reported the offence. The match referee then reviewed the matter before imposing the sanction.
ICC rules set clear over-rate penalties
The ICC has strict rules aimed at ensuring that Test matches maintain an acceptable pace of play. Teams are expected to complete the required number of overs within the allotted time. Time allowances can be granted for certain situations during a match.
However, after those allowances are taken into consideration, teams can still face penalties if they fall behind the required rate. The rules are designed to encourage teams to maintain an appropriate pace throughout Test matches.
Financial penalty reaches maximum limit
Pakistan’s 50pc fine represents the maximum financial penalty allowed under the relevant ICC rule.
The regulations state that players can be fined 5pc of their match fee for each over their team is short. The maximum fine, however, is capped at 50pc of the match fee.
With Pakistan 11 overs short, the penalty reached that maximum level. The deduction of 11 World Test Championship points was imposed separately under the competition’s playing conditions.
Penalty adds pressure after England series
The disciplinary action adds another setback for Pakistan following their third Test against England.
The team’s slow over-rate has now resulted in a substantial points deduction that could matter in the wider World Test Championship campaign. Every point can become important as teams compete for places in the championship standings.
Pakistan will therefore need to avoid similar offences in their upcoming Test matches. Maintaining the required over-rate will be important not only to prevent financial penalties but also to protect their championship points.
