Pakistan lose 11 WTC points and face maximum player fines after finishing 11 overs short against England in Birmingham.
BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan have been hit with a double sanction by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for maintaining a slow over-rate during the third and final World Test Championship (WTC) Test against England in Birmingham.
Pakistan were found to be 11 overs short of the required over-rate after time allowances were taken into account during the Edgbaston Test, which England won by eight wickets.
As a result, Pakistan’s players have been fined 50% of their match fees, while the team has also been deducted 11 WTC points.
Pakistan players receive maximum fine
The sanction was imposed by Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees following charges brought by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Allahudien Palekar and fourth umpire Russell Warren.
Under 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.
The maximum financial penalty is capped at 50% of a player’s match fee.
Pakistan therefore received the maximum team-related financial penalty after finishing 11 overs behind the required rate.
Pakistan lose 11 WTC points
The team also faced a separate sporting penalty under Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, which provides for the deduction of one WTC point for every over a side is short.
Pakistan consequently lost 11 points from their WTC tally.
The points deduction has further damaged Pakistan’s position in the ongoing WTC cycle, leaving them at the bottom of the standings in ninth place with a points percentage of 4.63.
Pakistan suffer 3-0 Test series whitewash
The sanctions add to a disappointing Test campaign for Pakistan, who suffered a 3-0 series whitewash against England.
England dominated the series from the opening match, winning the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory in the second Test.
The hosts then completed the clean sweep with an eight-wicket victory in Birmingham.
Pakistan’s slow over-rate penalty has compounded the team’s difficult position in the WTC standings, making the upcoming home series increasingly important for their championship campaign.
Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in November
Pakistan will next return to WTC action in November, when they host Sri Lanka for a two-Test series.
The two matches are scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, giving Pakistan an opportunity to recover some ground in the championship standings.
The team will also be under pressure to improve its over-rate discipline to avoid further points deductions during the remainder of the WTC cycle.