Introduction: Pakistan Penalized for Slow Over-Rate
In a recent ICC decision, Pakistan was fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during the second Test match against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. The penalty comes after Pakistan’s heavy 10-wicket loss to the Proteas in the match.
Penalty Details: Fine and Points Deduction
| Penalty Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Fine | 25% of the players’ match fees |
| WTC Points Deduction | 5 points deducted from Pakistan’s total |
| Overs Short | 5 overs short of the required mark |
The umpires fined Pakistan’s players 25% of their match fees for failing to maintain the required over-rate. In addition, the team lost five points in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The penalty followed the determination that Pakistan fell five overs short of the target, even after considering time allowances.
ICC Code of Conduct Violations
Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel enforced the sanctions, addressing minimum over-rate violations. This rule fines a team 5% of the match fee for each over it fails to bowl within the allotted time.
| ICC Code of Conduct Article | Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Article 2.22 | Minimum over-rate violation | 5% of match fee per over short |
WTC Points Deduction
As per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a team loses one WTC point for each over short of the target. In this instance, Pakistan lost a total of five points due to the slow over-rate.
| Article | Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Article 16.11.2 | Over-rate shortfall | 1 WTC point per over short |
Officials Involved in the Decision
| Role | Official Name |
|---|---|
| On-field Umpire | Kumar Dharmasena, Nitin Menon |
| Third Umpire | Alex Wharf |
| Fourth Umpire | Stephen Harris |
| Match Referee | Richie Richardson |
On-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, along with third umpire Alex Wharf and fourth umpire Stephen Harris, decided the penalty. Consequently, Richie Richardson, the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, officially handed down the sanctions.
Pakistan’s Acceptance of the Penalty
Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, accepted the penalties and pleaded guilty to the offence. The team now faces the repercussions of both the fine and the points deduction. These penalties could impact their position in the ongoing World Test Championship.
