Pakistan suffer heavy WTC punishment after slow over-rate in England Test

The sanction was handed down by Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after Pakistan fell 11 overs behind the required rate during the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, once time allowances had been taken into account.

Pakistan were also hit with a 50 per cent deduction from their match fees, the maximum permitted under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The provision imposes a five per cent fine for every over missed, with the overall penalty capped at half of a player's match fee.

The additional WTC punishment was calculated under Article 16.11.2 of the competition's playing conditions, which prescribes a one-point deduction for each over a team is short.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam pleaded guilty and accepted both the charge and proposed sanction, meaning no formal hearing was necessary. The offence was reported by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Allahudien Palekar and fourth official Russell Warren.

The disciplinary action followed an eight-wicket defeat that completed England's 3-0 series victory. England chased down 130 to reach 130/2, with Joe Root unbeaten on 62 and Jordan Cox 59 not out.

Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in their first innings before responding with 449, including 95 from Shan Masood and 76 from Babar. Razaullah marked his Test debut with 81 and shared a 121-run ninth-wicket stand with Mohammad Abbas, who made 42. 

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