News DeskDubai: Pakistan’s cricket team has been penalized for maintaining a slow over-rate during their opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand on Wednesday. The team was fined 5 per cent of their match fee after falling short of the required over-rate target.
The sanction was imposed by Andy Pycroft, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Pakistan, led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, was found to be one over short of the target after accounting for time allowances.
The penalty was applied under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses minimum over-rate offences. According to the rule, players are fined 5 per cent of their match fee for each over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time.
Rizwan admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson, and fourth umpire Alex Wharf.
This incident serves as a reminder to all teams to adhere to the over-rate regulations to avoid similar penalties in future matches of the tournament. Pakistan will look to bounce back in their upcoming games as the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 continues.
