Pakistan brutally punished by ICC after losing ODI series to New Zealand

The Pakistan National Cricket Team has been slapped with a fine of five percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the second ODI in Hamilton.

Match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the penalty after Pakistan was found one over short of the required target during New Zealand’s 84-run win in the second ODI match on April 2.

According to the ICC regulations, players are fined five percent of their match fees for each over bowled short. Rizwan admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction, so there is no need for a formal hearing.

Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in 2nd ODI against New Zealand

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Michael Gough and Wayne Knights, as well as third umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Chris Brown.

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The ICC announced on its website by saying, “Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after the visiting side was found to be one over short of the target after the time allowances were taken into consideration.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which governs minimum over-rate offenses, players are fined five percent of their match fees for each over their team falls short of bowling in the stipulated time.”

Pakistan fined twice for slow over-rate in ODI series against New Zealand

Surprisingly, this was Pakistan’s second slow-over rate offense in the ongoing three-match ODI series against New Zealand. After being slapped with yet another fine for maintaining a slow over-rate, the Men in Green have been found guilty of the same offense for the second consecutive instance.

The Men in Green were penalized for the same breach in the first ODI against New Zealand in Napier. They were two overs short of the required rate in the first ODI that the Kiwis won by 73 runs. Now, both teams will be up against each other in the third and final ODI on April 5 in Mount Maunganui.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has backed the pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf amidst the heavy criticism, labeling them as the backbone of the team’s future. Despite facing criticism for their recent performances, Aaqib remains confident that the trio possesses the talent and potential to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack in the future.

Aaqib Javed backs the pace trio amidst heavy criticism

Critics have been slamming the Pakistani fast bowlers for their inconsistency and tendency to leak runs, especially during key moments. They came under the scanner after a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, where Afridi, Naseem, and Rauf managed just two wickets each in two matches, with high averages of 71, 50, and 67.50, respectively.

Their performance in the subsequent T20I series against New Zealand was also not impressive. Afridi struggled to make an impact, claiming just two wickets in four games at an average of 66.50. In contrast, Rauf emerged as a standout performer, taking eight wickets in four matches at a phenomenal average of 12.25. However, Naseem did not feature in the T20I lineup.

Despite the disappointing results, Aaqib remains confident that Afridi, Naseem, and Rauf are Pakistan’s best fast bowling assets. Aaqib Javed was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan: “Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem – everyone knows they are our best pacers and the future of Pakistan.”