Pakistan fined, captain Sarfraz on brink of suspension

Pakistan’s victory at Lord’s inside four days became somewhat sour after they were penalized  by ICC for slow over rate, which also took captain Sarfraz Ahmed on the brink of a Test match suspension.

Pakistan’s victory at Lord’s inside four days became somewhat sour after they were penalized  by ICC for slow over rate, which also took captain Sarfraz Ahmed on the brink of a Test match suspension.  

According to an International Cricket Council (ICC) statement, match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the fine after Sarfraz Ahmed's side was ruled to be three overs short of their target when time allowances were taken into consideration. 

"In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC code of conduct for players and players support personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount," the statement said.

Pakistan took an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series by beating the hosts comprehensively by 8 wickets in the first Test match at Lord’s.

The Pakistan cricketers were fined 10% of their match fee for each over, taking the amount of fine to 30% for each player and Sarfraz being the captain was fined 60%.

If Pakistan commit another minor over-rate breach in a Test within 12 months of this offence with Sarfraz as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by the skipper and he will face a suspension.

Sarfraz pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

Pakistan will now take on the hosts in the second Test at the Headingley Cricket Ground from June 1.