Pakistan fined 40% match fee and docked eight WTC points after over-rate breach
The International Cricket Council has penalized Pakistan national cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate during the Test match against Bangladesh national cricket team in Mirpur.
Pakistan were fined 40% of their match fee and docked eight points in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 after being ruled eight overs short of the required target once time allowances were taken into account.
Following the sanction, Pakistan dropped to four points in the WTC standings, placing the team eighth, just above the West Indies.
Bangladesh secured victory in the opening Test by 104 runs after a strong bowling performance on the final day, led by fast bowler Nahid Rana, who claimed a five-wicket haul.
The penalty was imposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
According to 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 team fails to bowl within the allotted time.
In addition, Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions states that teams lose one championship point for each over short, leading to Pakistan losing eight WTC points.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, removing the need for a formal disciplinary hearing.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, along with third umpire Allahuddien Palekar and fourth umpire Gazi Sohel.
The latest penalty adds pressure on Pakistan early in the WTC cycle as teams compete for points to qualify for the championship final.