ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan’s cricket team has been penalized five per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the second ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton on Wednesday.
The sanction was imposed by Jeff Crowe, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, after Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s team was found to be one over short of the required target, even after time allowances were considered, as stated in an official press release.
According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are fined five per cent of their match fees for each over they fail to complete within the designated time. Rizwan accepted the charge and the proposed penalty without contesting it, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
The match officials who enforced the penalty included both on-field umpires Michael Gough and Wayne Knights, along with third umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Chris Brown. The fine serves to educate teams about essential match regulations because international games require teams to maintain proper over rates. The incident emphasized how ICC officials strictly follow their rules to maintain orderly game operations.
Pakistan received a five per cent match fee fine for a slow over-rate in the second ODI against New Zealand, their third such offence in four ODIs. Match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the penalty after Mohammad Rizwan’s team fell one over short. Pakistan also lost the match, conceding the series 2-0.
The ICC Code of Conduct is part of the ICC’s ongoing efforts to maintain the public image, popularity, and integrity of cricket by providing:
(a) an effective means to deter any participant from conducting themselves improperly on and off the ‘field-of-play’ or in a manner that is contrary to the spirit of cricket’
(b) a robust disciplinary procedure under which all matters of improper conduct can be dealt with fairly, with certainty, and in an expeditious manner.
