PAK vs SL: The International Cricket Council has fined Pakistan’s national cricket team 20% of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The ICC confirmed the fine in an official statement on Wednesday.
Pakistan Fined for Slow Over-Rate in First ODI
Pakistan were ruled to have bowled four overs short of the required rate during the PAK vs SL first ODI. The match referee, Ali Naqvi, levied the penalty under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which states that there should be a five per cent fine for each over not bowled within the stipulated time.
As a result, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s side was handed a 20% deduction of their total match fee. The skipper himself, Afridi, accepted the sanction without contest, which means there will not be any need for a formal hearing.
Match Details: First ODI in Rawalpindi
The game extended beyond four hours because Pakistan struggled to maintain the required over-rate. The team was deemed to be short by four overs under ICC regulations once time allowances were factored in.
According to the ICC rules for slow over-rates, one extra fielder was brought into the 30-yard circle for Pakistan after the 46th over of Sri Lanka’s innings.
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Even without the interruption, Wanindu Hasaranga’s fighting half-century kept Sri Lanka competitive until the final over, though Pakistan eventually won after having the visitors 88 runs short with three wickets remaining.
Officials and Umpire Panel
On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Asif Yaqoob raised the charge against Pakistan, while Sharfuddoula acted as the third umpire and Rashid Riaz as the fourth official. The ICC confirmed that Afridi and the Pakistan management accepted the decision without appeal.
Security Concerns Delay Remainder of Series
The second ODI between PAK vs SL was scheduled to take place on Thursday but was rescheduled by a day with concerns over security in Islamabad.
There were reports that some Sri Lankan players were apprehensive after a terror incident in the city and wanted to leave. However, the players later decided to stay on after a late-night meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sri Lanka Cricket officials.
SLC, in turn, threatened that any early withdrawal would be dealt with disciplinary action. An agreement was reached to go ahead with the series, but with revised dates. Hence,
The second and third ODIs were each pushed back a day, and The T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will thus begin a day later than initially planned.
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