Rawalpindi: In a significant development affecting their standings in the ICC World Test Championship, Pakistan and Bangladesh have been penalized points for maintaining a slow over-rate during their first Test match in Rawalpindi. This penalty could impact their chances of qualifying for the championship final.

According to International Cricket Council, Pakistan, hosting the match, was deducted six championship points for falling six overs short of the required rate, while Bangladesh, despite securing a 10-wicket victory, lost three points for being three overs behind. Additionally, the Pakistan team was fined 30% of their match fees, and Bangladesh faced a 15% fine. Captains Shan Masood and Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged the infractions and accepted the sanctions, obviating the need for formal hearings.

This setback leaves Pakistan in the eighth position and pushes Bangladesh down to seventh in the World Test Championship standings, trailing South Africa. The teams are slated to continue their competition in the second Test, also in Rawalpindi, starting this Friday.

Moreover, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan received a separate penalty of a 10% match fee reduction and a demerit point for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the match. The incident involved Shakib throwing the ball towards Pakistani batsman Rizwan in a manner deemed inappropriate by the officials.

These penalties underline the strict regulatory environment governing international cricket, emphasizing adherence to play standards and conduct.