International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a heavy penalty on the Pakistan national cricket team for maintaining a slow over rate during the opening Test against the Bangladesh national cricket team at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The ICC fined Pakistan 40 per cent of the match fee and deducted eight crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points after the side was found eight overs short of the required target, even after accounting for allowable time adjustments.
The decision was taken by match referee Jeff Crowe following charges laid by on field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, along with third umpire Allahuddien Palekar and fourth umpire Gazi Sohel.
According to ICC rules, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over not completed within the allotted time, resulting in the 40 per cent penalty for Pakistan.
Under the ICC World Test Championship regulations, teams lose one point for each over short, leading to Pakistan’s eight-point deduction.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted the offence and accepted the punishment, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
The penalty came after Bangladesh registered a historic 104 run victory over Pakistan and their first ever home Test win against the visitors. Pakistan was bowled out for 163 while chasing 268, giving Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two match series.
The second Test is scheduled to take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.
Also read: Bangladesh defeats Pakistan by 104 runs
