Rawalpindi: In the recently concluded first Test match in Rawalpindi, both Pakistan and Bangladesh have been penalized for maintaining slow over-rates, as per the International Cricket Council’s regulations. Pakistan has been fined 30% of their match fees and deducted six World Test Championship points, while Bangladesh faces a 15% fine and a three-point deduction.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the penalties were imposed by Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Panel of Elite Match Referees after Pakistan was found to be six overs short and Bangladesh three overs short of their targets, even after considering time allowances. The ICC Code of Conduct stipulates a five percent fine of the match fees for each over a team fails to bowl in the allotted time, with additional point deductions for each over short under the World Test Championship playing conditions.

Both team captains, Shan Masood of Pakistan and Najmul Hossain Shanto of Bangladesh, accepted the sanctions, which included the fines and point deductions, negating the need for formal hearings.

In a separate incident, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan was fined 10% of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the same match. Shakib was charged for throwing the ball inappropriately towards a batter, an action that resulted in one demerit point being added to his record. This was his first offence in a 24-month period.

The charges were brought by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Adrian Holdstock, third umpire Michael Gough, and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz. Shakib acknowledged the misconduct and accepted the proposed sanction without the need for further hearings.