Pakistan's cricketers have been handed a 25 percent fine of their match fees for a slow over-rate during the New Year’s Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. The Pakistan team was found to be five overs short of the required mark, even after factoring in their time allowances. The ICC match officials, including on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, along with third umpire Alex Wharf and fourth umpire Stephen Harris, were responsible for levying the charges. The ICC Elite Panel of Match Referee Richie Richardson imposed the fines, with no official hearing required after Pakistan's captain Shan Masood accepted the charges.
Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are fined five percent of the match fee for each over their side fails to bowl within the designated time. In addition to the financial penalty, Pakistan also lost five points in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle due to the slow over-rate. Pakistan's loss to South Africa by 10 wickets in the Newlands Test meant they ended the series 0-2 down, further compounding their struggles.
Currently sitting in ninth place in the WTC standings with 35 points and a point percentage of 24.31, Pakistan is facing mounting pressure. They’ve managed to win four out of 12 Tests in the ongoing championship, and any further slip-ups could prove costly. Their next series is a two-match Test series against the West Indies, beginning on January 16 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
The West Indies, currently at the bottom of the WTC standings with a point percentage of 24.24, present a direct challenge for Pakistan. A loss in any of the upcoming matches could see Pakistan tumble to the bottom of the table, increasing the stakes for the series. The second Test will take place at Multan Cricket Stadium on January 24.
Despite a 2-1 series win against England at home, Pakistan's performance in the World Test Championship has been below expectations, and they must now aim to secure positive results against the West Indies to avoid further embarrassment and stay in contention for a top position in the standings.
