ICC fines Pakistan and Sri Lanka over slow over-rates in opening ODI

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined Pakistan and Sri Lanka for maintaining slow over-rates during the opening match of the ODI tri-series, featuring England, in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

Pakistan were fined 10 per cent of their match fee, while Sri Lanka received a penalty of five per cent, the ICC said in a statement.

The charges were brought by on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Wayne Knights, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi.

Match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the penalties after Pakistan were found to be two overs short of the required rate and Sri Lanka one over short, after accounting for time allowances.

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 every over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions, avoiding the need for formal hearings.

Meanwhile, Pakistan began the tri-series with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka, thanks to a century from Salman Ali Agha and an effective bowling display.

Chasing a target of 306, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 268 in 48.1 overs as Pakistan’s bowlers, led by captain Shaheen Afridi, secured the win.