The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a significant fine on the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate during their match against South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Following their heartbreaking one-wicket loss to South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the Pakistan team was penalized 20 percent of their match fee. Pakistan had fallen short of the required over-rate by four overs, even after accounting for time allowances. This shortfall led to the fine, which was enforced by Richie Richardson, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
The ICC’s press release explained that in line with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to minimum over-rate violations, players are fined five percent of their match fee for each over that their team fails to bowl within the allotted time.
The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Paul Reiffel, alongside third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Richard Kettleborough. Babar Azam, the team’s captain, admitted to the offense and accepted the proposed sanction, obviating the need for a formal hearing.
The 1992 World Cup champions have encountered a challenging run in the World Cup 2023. Their last victory was prior to their defeat to arch-rivals India at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14. The one-wicket loss to South Africa marked Pakistan’s fourth consecutive defeat in the ongoing tournament.
