Champions Trophy: Pakistan Penalized for Slow Over-Rate in Opening Match Against New Zealand

Synopsis

Pakistan has received a fine of five percent of their match fee for a slow over-rate during their first match against New Zealand. The penalty was imposed after the team failed to meet the required bowling rate, leading to additional challenges following their defeat in the game.

Key Takeaways

Pakistan fined five percent of their match fee
Slow over-rate penalty due to being one over short
Mohammad Rizwan accepted the sanction
Fakhar Zaman ruled out with an oblique injury
Imam-ul-Haq replaces Zaman

Dubai, Feb 20 (NationPress) Pakistan has been penalized five percent of their match fee for their slow over-rate during the initial match against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. This penalty was assigned after Mohammad Rizwan's team was determined to be one over short of the required rate, even after considering time allowances.

The ICC stated, "Pakistan have been fined 5 percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday."

Andy Pycroft, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, enforced the sanction under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. According to ICC regulations, players incur a five percent fine of their match fee for each over their team fails to bowl within the designated time.

Pakistan’s stand-in captain, Mohammad Rizwan, admitted to the offence and accepted the punishment, thus negating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was brought forth by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough, Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson, and fourth umpire Alex Wharf.

This fine adds to Pakistan's woes, having already faced a disappointing 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener. The hosts struggled with their chase of 281 runs, unable to maintain the necessary run rate after a sluggish beginning.

Earlier, Pakistan’s opener, Fakhar Zaman, was ruled out of the tournament due to an oblique injury sustained while fielding in the second over of the match. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement.

Pakistan aims to regroup and enhance their performance ahead of their pivotal match against their arch-rivals, India, in Dubai on February 23.

For Pakistan, winning this match is vital to keep their qualification hopes alive in the four-team group, as only two teams will progress to the knockout stage. Bangladesh is the fourth team in this group, with New Zealand having already claimed a victory in Karachi.