ICC Penalizes Pakistan and Bangladesh for Slow Over-Rate

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed sanctions on both Pakistan and Bangladesh for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first Test of the two-match series. The match, played in Rawalpindi, saw Pakistan succumb to a 10-wicket defeat, their first-ever loss to Bangladesh in Test cricket.

Sanctions Imposed

Pakistan has been fined 30% of their match fee and penalized six ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points. Bangladesh has been fined 15% of their match fee and penalized three WTC points. The sanctions were imposed by Ranjan Madugalle, ICC Elite Match Referee, after both teams were found to be short of their target overs.

Reason for Sanctions

Pakistan was found six overs short, while Bangladesh was found three overs short. The ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel states that players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Additionally, the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions state that a side is penalized one point for each over short.

Acceptance of Sanctions

Pakistan captain Shan Masood and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto accepted the sanctions, eliminating the need for formal hearings. The sanctions come as a blow to both teams, particularly Pakistan, who are looking to improve their performance in the Test format.

Match Summary

The match saw Pakistan accumulate 448/6 and declare their first innings in the dying minutes of the second day. Bangladesh responded with a mammoth total of 565, courtesy of Mushfiqur Rahim’s marathon 191-run knock. Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered on the final day, scoring only 146, setting Bangladesh a meager 30-run target. The Bangladesh openers made no mistake in chasing down the target, securing a historic victory over Pakistan.

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