ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Pakistan Cricket Team fined for slow over-rate

Pakistan Cricket Team have been fined due to slow over-rate in the clash against South Africa.

After a devastating one-wicket loss to South Africa, Pakistan faced a tough situation. During their match against South Africa, they were fined for playing too slowly, which meant they had to give up 20% of their money. This penalty was given as per the ICC Code of Conduct, which says that if a team doesn't finish their required number of overs within the set time, they will be charged five percent of their earnings for each over they miss.

According to an ICC media release, "Match Referee Richie Richardson imposed the sanction after Babar Azam's side was ruled to be four overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration."

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC's 'Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel', which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five percent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Babar admitted to the wrongdoing and agreed to the suggested penalty, eliminating the necessity for a formal hearing.

The match umpires, including Alex Wharf, Paul Reiffel, Richard Illingworth, and Richard Kettleborough, were the officials who deemed Pakistan's over-rate to be in violation of the rules. This decision served as a reminder that adherence to the rules and regulations is vital in the sport of cricket.

Pakistan have won only two games so far

Pakistan haven't been doing very well in this year's World Cup, only managing to win two out of the six matches played so far. Their hopes of staying in the competition don't seem very high, especially after losing their last four games against South Africa, Afghanistan, Australia, and India. Right now, they're in sixth place on the points table, which isn't good.

If they want any hope of reaching the semi-finals, Pakistan have to secure victories in their upcoming three games. However, it's not going to be a walk in the park, as they'll be facing tough opponents like Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the defending champions, England, in those last three matches. The road ahead is certainly going to be challenging for Pakistan.