Pakistan Faces Consequences! ICC Penalizes Champions Trophy Hosts For Slow Over Rate Against New Zealand

Champions Trophy 2025: Huge trouble has mounted on Pakistan after the hosts of the marquee ICC tournament were found in breach of the Code of Conduct. After time allowances were taken into account, Pakistan was found to be one over short of the target, and the International Cricket Council have imposed a penalty on them.

Pakistan Cricket Penalized By The ICC

The International Cricket Council has publicly announced that Pakistan has been found guilty of breaching the player code of conduct during the Champions Trophy series opener match against New Zealand. As a result, the have been penalized with a pay cut of five per cent of their match fees. 

"Following their defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Black Caps, Pakistan have been handed a slow over-rate fine after being found one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

“While on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Alex Wharf levelled the charge, Match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction - five percent of match fee deducted. Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan pleaded guilty to the offence with no formal hearing required thereafter,” the statement from the ICC read.

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Pakistan’s Qualifying Hopes Are Dangling By A Thread!

Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan fell badly against New Zealand, as opener Saud Shakeel and captain Mohammad Rizwan failed to produce. Babar Azam [64 off 90 balls], Khushdil Shah [69 off 49 balls], and Salman Ali Agha [42 off 28 balls] boosted the Men in Green's performance. However, this was insufficient to prevent them from a major setback. Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, spearheaded the bowling attack and took three crucial wickets. Even Will O'Rourke grabbed three wickets, while Matt Henry took two. Pakistan were reduced to 260 in 47.2 overs due to the Blackcaps' outstanding performance. 
Pakistan's dreams for the Champions Trophy are already dangling. To keep their dreams alive, they need to defeat Team India when they face off.

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