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The Pakistan cricket team is under heavy scrutiny after facing disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) three times within a span of just 10 days. Following a dismal performance against New Zealand, Pakistan has now been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate in all three ODIs of the recently concluded series.
After a 1-4 loss in the T20I series and a 0-3 whitewash in the ODI series against New Zealand, Pakistan’s woes have only deepened. The ICC confirmed that the team was penalized in each of the three ODIs for failing to complete their overs in the allotted time.
The latest sanction, announced on Monday, was imposed after the third ODI on April 5 at Mount Maunganui. Match referee Jeff Crowe from the ICC Elite Panel found Pakistan to be one over short of the target, even after considering time allowances.
“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five percent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the ICC stated in a press release.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan accepted the charges without contest. The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Chris Brown and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Michael Gough, and fourth umpire Wayne Knights.
The third ODI saw New Zealand complete a dominant series sweep, with Michael Bracewell and Rhys Mariu contributing crucial half-centuries to help the Black Caps post 264/8 in a rain-affected 42-over match. Pakistan, despite a fightback, were bowled out for 221, losing by 43 runs. Pacer Ben Sears was the standout performer, taking his second consecutive five-wicket haul.
This defeat marked Pakistan’s sixth straight ODI loss to New Zealand on Kiwi soil, further raising concerns about the team’s form and discipline.
Adding to the drama, the third ODI also witnessed an off-field incident involving Pakistani all-rounder Khushdil Shah. Security personnel had to intervene as the visibly agitated cricketer attempted to confront a section of the crowd, crossing the boundary fence in the process.
As the ICC continues to crack down on slow over-rates, Pakistan will need to urgently address these recurring issues to avoid further sanctions and rebuild team morale ahead of upcoming international fixtures.