The International Cricket Council (ICC) slapped Babar Azam-led Pakistan with a hefty fine for maintaining a slow over-rate against South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The Pakistan cricket team were docked 20 per cent of their match fee after their devastating one-wicket loss to South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday.
Pakistan were four overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration, leading to the fine imposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” read ICC’s press release.
The ICC release further revealed that on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Richard Illingworth, and fourth umpire Richard Kettleborough levelled the charge. Since Azam “pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction”, a formal hearing was not needed.
The 1992 champions have not won a game in World Cup 2023 since losing to arch-rivals India at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on 14 October. The one-wicket defeat to South Africa on Friday marked Pakistan’s fourth straight loss in the ongoing tournament.—Agencies
