Pakistan fined, docked 11 WTC points for slow overrate

Pakistan's cricket team has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council for a slow overrate during the third Test against England, resulting in a significant points deduction and fines. The penalty was imposed after the team was found to have bowled 11 overs short of the required rate in the match at Edgbaston, which England won by eight wickets to complete a 3-0 series sweep. ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle announced the sanctions following charges levelled by onfield umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Allahudien Palekar, and fourth umpire Russell Warren. Under the ICC Code of Conduct, players were fined 50 percent of their match fees, the maximum penalty for the overrate offence. Separately, under World Test Championship playing conditions, the team was deducted 11 championship points, one for each over short. The deduction leaves Pakistan in ninth place in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 4.63. The team now has only five points from nine Tests in the current championship cycle. Pakistan captain Babar Azam pleaded guilty to the overrate offence and accepted the proposed punishment, avoiding a formal hearing.