Pakistan fined for slow over rate in Hamilton Test

Problems seem to be following the Pakistan team on the New Zealand tour. After facing two heavy defeats in the first two Tests, the imposed fine on them has added to their woes. Pakistani players have been fined yet again for slow over rate in the recently concluded Hamilton Test. They fell short of the targeted over rate by a margin of 5 overs.

This has resulted in a fine imposed on the skipper and the players. Stand-in skipper Azhar has been heavily slapped a fine of 100 per cent of his match fees. Other players of the team have been fined 50 per cent of their match fees. As per the rules stated by the International Cricket Council (ICC), players are fined 10% of their fee per unbowled over, with the captain fined double of that.

Azhar Ali has been on the receiving end this time. This is not the first instance when the Pakistan skipper has been fined for the slow over rate. Earlier in the same series, Misbah-ul-Haq, the full-time skipper, was also fined for slow over rate in the first Test. His offense was his second in the past 12 months. Since the rule says that if the offense is repeated in the time frame of 12 months, the player is liable to get a match suspension.

Misbah was suspended for one match. As a result of it, it was Azhar Ali who donned the skipper’s cap in the second Test. Misbah, in any case, would not have featured in the second Test since he was travelling back home due to some personal reasons.

Azhar Ali faced the heat on this occasion. The charge was laid by the match officials. It was referee Richie Richardson, who passed the fine. There was no official hearing for the incident and Azhar accepted the referee’s decision. Earlier, in the match, Pakistan bundled out for 230 in their second innings during their run chase of 369. They lost the match by 138 runs and are 2-0 down in the series.