The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined Pakistan and Sri Lanka for maintaining slow over-rates during the opening match of the ongoing ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
According to the ICC, Pakistan were fined 10 per cent of their match fees, while Sri Lanka received a penalty of five per cent for failing to complete their overs within the allotted time.
The governing body said Pakistan were found to be two overs short of the required rate, while Sri Lanka fell one over behind the target.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi and Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis both admitted the offences and accepted the proposed sanctions, avoiding the need for formal disciplinary hearings.
The opening fixture of the tri-series was played on Sunday, with Pakistan delivering a convincing performance to defeat Sri Lanka and begin their campaign on a winning note.
The penalties serve as a reminder of the ICC’s playing conditions, which require teams to maintain the prescribed over-rate during limited-overs international matches.
Slow over-rates can lead to financial sanctions against teams and captains, making match management and timely completion of overs important responsibilities for both sides.
Pakistan will now look to build on their opening victory as the tri-series continues, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back from their defeat and improve their performance in the remaining fixtures.
