Champions Trophy: Pakistan Penalized for Slow Over-Rate in Opener Against New Zealand

Pakistan has been fined 5% of their match fee for a slow over-rate in their opening match against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. Mohammad Rizwan's team fell short by one over even after considering the allowed time adjustments.

"Pakistan have been fined 5 percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday," ICC said in a statement.

Andy Pycroft, who is part of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, gave the penalty based on Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct. According to ICC rules, players have to pay a fine of five percent of their match fee for every over their team fails to bowl in the given time.

Pakistan's stand-in captain, Mohammad Rizwan, admitted to the offense and accepted the penalty, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The charge was brought against him by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, along with third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Alex Wharf.

Pakistan faced another setback as they were fined after already suffering a tough 60-run loss to New Zealand in the tournament opener. Chasing 320, the hosts got off to a slow start and couldn’t keep up with the required run rate, falling short in the end.

Pakistan's opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman, has been ruled out of the tournament due to an oblique injury. He got injured while fielding in the second ball of the match. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement.

Pakistan will change their plan and sharpen their game ahead of their important clash against India in Dubai on February 23. Pakistan have to win the match to maintain their chances of qualifying from the four-team group as two teams per group will make it to the knock-out stage. Bangladesh are the fourth team in the group in which New Zealand have already won their match in Karachi.

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