Pakistan, Bangladesh lose WTC points for slow over-rate in first Test

Pakistan cricket team (Photo source: X(Twitter)

A recent development has made some significant changes in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with both Pakistan and Bangladesh being penalized for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first Test match in Rawalpindi.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) took strict action against both teams for their failure to maintain the required over-rate during the Rawalpindi Test.

Pakistan has been docked six crucial WTC points and fined 30% of their match fee after being found six overs short of the target. The visitors, despite their impressive 10-wicket victory, didn’t escape punishment either. They lost three WTC points and were fined 15% of their match fee for falling three overs short.

The penalties were imposed by Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Panel of Elite Match Referees. According to the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Additionally, as per the WTC playing conditions, a side is penalized one point for each over short.

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Shan Masood and Najmul Hossain Shanto accepted the proposed sanctions

Both team captains, Shan Masood of Pakistan and Najmul Hossain Shanto of Bangladesh accepted the proposed sanctions without contesting, eliminating the need for formal hearings.

In a separate incident, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan faced disciplinary action for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. Shakib was fined 10% of his match fee and received one demerit point for inappropriately throwing the ball towards Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan during the second innings.

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These penalties have caused a shuffle in the WTC standings. Pakistan remains in eighth place with 22 points and 30.56 PCT, while Bangladesh has dropped to seventh with 24 points and 40.00 PCT, falling behind South Africa. This setback could significantly impact both teams’ chances of reaching the WTC final.