Pakistan Cricket Team Penalized Again for Slow Over Rate

The Pakistan cricket team has once again found itself facing a penalty for a slow over rate, this time during a crucial ICC World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan’s bowlers fell two overs short of the prescribed time, resulting in a 10% match fee penalty imposed on the players. This marks the second instance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 where Pakistan has been penalized for their sluggish over rate, shedding light on the need for greater efficiency in their bowling tactics.

Pakistan’s cricket team captain, Babar Azam, gracefully accepted the imposed penalty and acknowledged the team’s mistake. In a statement issued by the ICC, they stated that Babar Azam’s acceptance of responsibility showcases the team’s dedication to improving their performance in the tournament.

This recent penalty follows a similar incident during a World Cup match against South Africa, where Pakistan’s national players were fined 20% of their match fee for the same over rate violation. Captain Babar Azam had taken responsibility for the earlier penalty, emphasizing the team’s commitment to rectifying their mistakes and enhancing their performance in the tournament.

The repeated penalties for slow over rates emphasize the urgency for Pakistan to address this issue and ensure they adhere to the time limits in the remaining matches of the ICC World Cup 2023.