Pakistan have been fined 50 per cent of their match fee and deducted 11 ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate during the third Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The sanction was imposed by Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after Pakistan were found to be 11 overs short of the required over-rate once time allowances were taken into account, according to an ICC media release.
Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for each over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time, with a maximum penalty capped at 50 per cent of the match fee. Additionally, Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions stipulates a deduction of one point per over short. As a result, Pakistan lost 11 World Test Championship points.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, thus avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Allahudien Palekar, and fourth umpire Russell Warren.
In the match, England secured an eight-wicket victory, completing a 3-0 series win over Pakistan with successful outcomes at Headingley, Lord’s, and Edgbaston.
England chased 130 runs to win, reaching 130 for two, with Joe Root unbeaten on 62 and Jordan Cox on 59. After being dismissed for 133 in their first innings, Pakistan responded strongly with 449 in the second innings. Key performances included Shan Masood’s 95, Babar Azam’s 76, and debutant Razaullah’s 81, who, along with Mohammad Abbas (42), added 121 runs for the ninth wicket.
England had earlier posted 453 in their first innings, establishing a 320-run lead. Notable contributions came from Harry Brook (75), Jamie Smith (69), Dan Lawrence (65), Emilio Gay (60), and Ollie Robinson (50).