Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in The Oval Test

Pakistan has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate in the fourth Test against England, which concluded at The Oval on Monday.

Richie Richardson of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Misbah-ul-Haq’s side was ruled to be one over short of its target of 158 overs when time allowances* were taken into consideration**.

In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Misbah has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 per cent fines. If Pakistan commits another minor over-rate breach in a Test within 12 months of this offence with Misbah as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by Misbah and he will face a suspension.

Misbah pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Bruce Oxenford, third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth official Rob Bailey.

* Time allowances include treatment given to a player; player leaving the field as a result of a serious injury; all third umpire referrals and consultations; time wasting by the batting side; two minutes per wicket taken and four minutes per drinks break (one per session for Test matches).

** Please refer to Appendix 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel to understand how the over-rates are calculated