Pakistan penalised for slow over-rate in first Test vs England

Dubai, May 28, Pakistan have been penalised for maintaining a slow over-rate in the Lords Test against England, which the visitors won by nine wickets to go one-up in the two-match series. 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. "As such, Sarfraz has been fined 60 percent of his match fee, while his players have received 30 percent fines," it added. If Pakistan commits another minor over-rate breach in a Test within 12 months of this offense with Sarfraz as captain, it will be deemed a second offense by the skipper and he will face a suspension. Sarfraz pleaded guilty to the offense 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.