Pakistan’s difficulties in the World Test Championship (WTC) have increased following their defeat to England at Edgbaston, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposing a fine and deducting 11 WTC points from the team for a slow over rate.
According to an ICC statement, Pakistan were found to have bowled 11 overs short of their required rate after allowances were taken into account. The team was fined 50% of its match fee for the breach, while 11 WTC points were deducted.
Pakistan drop to bottom of WTC standings
Following the deduction, Pakistan have been left with just five points in the World Test Championship and are currently at the bottom of the standings.
Under the ICC’s regulations, teams are fined 5% of their match fee for each over they fall short of the required rate, subject to the applicable limit.
Babar Azam accepts proposed penalty
Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted the slow over-rate offence and accepted the proposed sanction. As a result, the matter did not require a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, along with third umpire Allahudien Paleker and fourth umpire Russell Warren, had charged the Pakistan team with the over-rate breach.
The points deduction adds to Pakistan’s challenges in the current World Test Championship cycle and leaves the team with limited points as it seeks to improve its position in the standings