Pakistan fined for slow over-rate

The Pakistan team has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its 25-run victory against South Africa during the second ODI against South Africa in Lahore on Saturday.

Match referee Alan Hurst of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after Shoaib Malik's side was ruled to be three overs short of its target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration.

And with the shortfall being more than two overs, Malik, as captain, was automatically charged with a Level two Code of Conduct breach, clause 2.11.

Malik missed most of South Africa's target chase because of cramps. Yunus Khan led the Pakistan cricket team during Malik's absence.

Explaining the sanction Mr Hurst said: "The Pakistan team finished three overs short of the required number of overs, although they were fully updated throughout the innings of their progress by the umpires.

"And although captain Shoaib Malik was not on the field for much of the innings because of injury, he is still accountable in these circumstances," he added.

Malik was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for the breach - the minimum amount allowable for a Level two offence - and as he was found guilty, that punishment took precedence over any fine that was imposed on him as part of the Pakistan team.

That is in accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct regulation that states: "In the event of the Captain being found guilty of a charge under this Rule (2.11), the sanction imposed will take the place of the fine imposed..."

The other players are each fined five per cent of their match fees for every over Pakistan failed to bowl in the time allowed.

As a result, Malik's team mates are each 15 per cent out of pocket following the match. If a captain is not charged and found guilty under 2.11, his punishment for an over-rate breach is always double that of the rest of the team.

Players found guilty of a Level two, three or four offence under the ICC Code of Conduct have a right of appeal. Such an appeal must be lodged in writing with the ICC's legal counsel within 24 hours of the player receiving the original verdict.

The penalties for a Level two offence range from a fine of 50 per cent of a player's match fee up to a fine of a full match fee and/or a one Test or two ODI ban.

The hearing was attended by Shoaib Malik, Pakistan team manager Talat Ali, Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson and the four umpires on duty for the match, on-field officials Asad Rauf and Billy Bowden, third umpire Riazuddin and fourth official Iqbal Butt.