Pakistan’s cricket team has been handed a 20% fine of their match fees for a slow over-rate offense during the inaugural ODI against Sri Lanka. The Men in Green secured a comfortable victory in the November 11th fixture in Rawalpindi, but the celebration was tempered by the ICC’s disciplinary action. The match referee found Pakistan to be four overs short of the mandated over rate, leading to the imposition of the fine as per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which stipulates a 5% fine per short over. The prolonged duration of the match, clocking in at four hours, contributed to the penalty. As a consequence of the slow pace, Pakistan was required to adjust their fielding, bringing an additional fielder within the inner ring after the 46th over. Captain Shaheen Afridi’s acceptance of the charge meant no formal hearing was necessary.
