Pakistan Fined for Slow Over-Rate Despite Victory in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

Despite their thrilling victory over New Zealand in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Pakistan has been fined 10 percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate. Richie Richardson, the ICC Match Referee, imposed the sanction as Babar Azam’s team was found to be two overs short of the required rate, even after time allowances were considered.

According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players and support personnel face fines of five percent of their match fee if each of their sides fails to bowl within the allotted time. Babar Azam accepted the proposed sanction without the need for a formal hearing, acknowledging the slow over-rate offense.

In the match, Pakistan’s left-handed opener, Fakhar Zaman, played a blazing century, ensuring Pakistan’s competitive position in the race for a spot in the tournament’s knockout stages. Zaman’s unbeaten 126 off just 81 deliveries guided Pakistan to a victory by 21 runs under the DLS method, marking their fourth win in the competition.