The International Cricket Council (ICC) said Pakistan’s cricket team has been penalized five percent of their match fee for keeping a sluggish over-rate during their opening encounter against New Zealand at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday.
After Pakistan was deemed to be one over short of the necessary target, even after considering time allowances, Andy Pycroft, the ICC Match Referee, enforced sanctions.
Players are penalized 5% of their match fee for each over their team when Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel addresses minimum over-rate infractions does not bowl within the allocated time.
Avoiding the necessity for a formal hearing, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged to the offense and approved the recommended sentence.
Third umpire Joel Wilson, fourth umpire Alex Wharf, on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula brought the charge.
It is relevant to note Pakistan, the hosts and defending champions, lost the tournament opener by 60 runs against New Zealand.
Khushdil Shah
With a quickfire 69 off 49 balls, Khushdil Shah emerged as the top scorer among the Men in Green who were bowled out for 321. Babar Azam came second.
While Glenn Phillips’ stunning 61 off 39 balls gave New Zealand a vital boost to their total, Will Young and Tom Latham struck centuries.
Adding to Pakistan’s problems, the team received yet another blow when aggressive opening batter Fakhar Zaman was formally excluded from the competition owing to injury. Imam- ul-Haq has taken his seat.
