Pakistan docked WTC points and fined for slow over-rate in first Bangladesh Test

DHAKA: The International Cricket Council has penalised Pakistan for a slow over-rate during the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, imposing a 40% fine on the players’ match fees and deducting eight points from the team’s tally in the ICC World Test Championship.

The sanction was handed down by match referee Jeff Crowe, who found that Pakistan were eight overs short of the required rate after permitted time allowances were taken into account.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, third umpire Allahuddien Palekar, and fourth umpire Gazi Sohel.

Penalty under ICC regulations

Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time. On that basis, Pakistan were fined 40% of their match fee.

Pakistan were also penalised under Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, which states that a team loses one point for each over it falls short. That resulted in an eight-point deduction.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

Setback follows defeat in Dhaka

The disciplinary action came after Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the opening Test, registering their first home Test victory over Pakistan.

Set a target of 268, Pakistan were dismissed for 163 in their second innings, allowing Bangladesh to move 1-0 ahead in the two-match series.

The opening match was played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The second Test is scheduled to be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, meaning no formal hearing was required.

The latest penalty adds to Pakistan’s difficulties in the series after the defeat in Dhaka, where Bangladesh secured a historic result on home soil and took the early advantage before the teams head to Sylhet for the second and final Test.