Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in Champions Trophy

Pakistan’s cricket team was fined 5% of their match fee on Thursday for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The defending champions fell 60 runs short against New Zealand on Wednesday and were later found to be one over short of the target after accounting for time allowances, according to the ICC.

The penalty was imposed by match referee Andy Pycroft following the charge from on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson, and fourth umpire Alex Wharf. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan accepted the sanction, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined 5% of their match fee for each over their team falls short of the required rate.

Adding to their setbacks, Pakistan suffered another blow with Fakhar Zaman being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury. The ICC has approved Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement. Pakistan’s next match is against arch-rivals India in Dubai on Sunday.