Pakistan Fined for Slow Over-Rate in Champions Trophy Opener Against New Zealand
Pakistan was found to be one over short of the required target, even after accounting for time allowances.
Pakistan’s cricket team has been fined 5% of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand.
This sanction was confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on February 20, 2025, following the match held on February 19, where Pakistan lost by 60 runs.
The sanction was imposed by Andy Pycroft, the ICC Match Referee.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan accepted the penalty, which negated the necessity for a formal hearing.
The slow over-rate was attributed to several factors, including delays during fielding and the extended use of pacers, which caused the innings to exceed the required pace significantly.
In this match, New Zealand set a challenging target of 332 runs, with notable performances from their batsmen. Pakistan’s inability to keep up with the over-rate rules led to this fine, as they fell short of the stipulated requirement of 14.28 overs per hour during the game.
