Pakistan faced penalties for a slow over-rate during the first Test against Australia in Perth, resulting in a 10 percent fine of their match fee and a deduction of two ICC World Test Championship points.
This setback comes after Pakistan’s drop to the No.2 position on the WTC25 standings following a substantial 360-run loss in the first Test, causing their percentage points to decrease from 66.67 to 61.11.
As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses minimum over-rate offenses, players incur a five percent fine for each over not bowled within the designated time.
Additionally, Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions stipulates a one-point penalty for every over short. Consequently, Pakistan’s overall points in the World Test Championship were reduced by two points.
Javagal Srinath, the Emirates ICC Elite Panel Match Referee, imposed these sanctions upon discovering that Pakistan fell two overs short, even after considering time allowances.
The charges were brought forward by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Richard Illingworth, third umpire Michael Gough, and fourth umpire Donovan Koch. Pakistan captain Shan Masood pleaded guilty to the offense, accepting the imposed sanctions.
Looking ahead, the second Test of the three-match series is scheduled to commence on Boxing Day in Melbourne, with the third Test set to take place from 3 to 7 January in Sydney.