Champions Trophy 2017 | Pakistan fined for slow over rate against Sri Lanka

Pakistan defeated a gritty Sri Lanka by three wickets yesterday to set up a semi-final clash against England courtesy Sarfraz Ahmed's unbeaten 61-run knock and his record 75-run eighth wicket partnership with Mohammad Amir.

However, the Pakistani skipper fell short on one account which was his side's slow over-rate against the Sri Lankans and the team was fined for their short-coming by Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. An ICC media statement release confirmed the imposition of the fine after Sarfaraz Ahmed's side was adjudged to be one over short of its target after the stipulated time period.

According to the Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which highlights the punishments and fines related to minor over-rate offences, every player of the team is to be fined ten percent of their match fees for each over his side fails to bowl in the allotted time while the captain of the team faces twice the deduction.   

The slow-over rate offence was accepted by the Pakistani skipper which avoided the need for a formal hearing. However, if Pakistan are found guilty on similar grounds in their match against England, Sarfraz Ahmed will be handed a one-match suspension, which would rule him out of the finals of the Champions Trophy if Pakistan defeat the hosts to seal a spot in the final.