In a recent league match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan has incurred a 10 percent fine of their match fee due to their sluggish over-rate against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The penalty was imposed by Richie Richardson, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. The decision came after an assessment revealed that Babar Azam’s team had fallen two overs short of the required over-rate when considering time allowances, as disclosed in an official statement by the ICC.

This action was taken in compliance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to minimum over-rate violations. According to this regulation, players face a five percent deduction from their match fee for each over not bowled within the allocated time.

Babar Azam, captain of the Pakistan team, admitted to the offense and readily accepted the proposed fine, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge against Pakistan was initiated by on-field umpires Paul Wilson and Richard Kettleborough, with support from third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Joel Wilson. This development underscores the importance of maintaining over rates as stipulated by the cricketing regulations.