Pakistan have been fined for maintaining a slow over rate in the Lord’s Test against England, which the visitors won by nine wickets on Sunday to go one-up in the two-Test series, according to an ICC press release.
Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of International Cricket Council (ICC) Match Referees imposed the fine after Sarfraz Ahmed’s side was ruled to be three overs short of their target when time allowances were taken into consideration, the handout read.
The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker, third umpire Bruce Oxenford and fourth umpire Rob Bailey.
In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.
Sarfraz Ahmed was fined 60pc of his match fee, while his teammates received 30pc fines, the press release said.
Sarfraz pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
If Pakistan commit another minor over rate breach in a Test within 12 months of this offence with Sarfraz as captain, it will be deemed as a second offence by Sarfraz and he will face a suspension.
