ICC Penalizes Pakistan Over Slow Over-Rate as Shaheen Afridi Pleads Guilty
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Moments after clinching a sensational three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the high-scoring final of the Tri-Nation Series at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, the Pakistan cricket team faced regulatory sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC). While the home side celebrated chasing down a mammoth 326-run target with nine deliveries to spare, the global governing body stepped in over disciplinary lapses during the bowling innings. Match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees ruled that Pakistan bowled one over short of their required minimum rate after factoring in statutory time allowances, imposing a mandatory financial deduction against the playing XI.
Shaheen Afridi Accepts Sanction: Inside Article 2.22 Over-Rate Penalty Framework
The punitive measure was leveled under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which governs minimum over-rate offenses in white-ball cricket. Under the established code, players are fined five percent of their individual match fees for every over their bowling side fails to complete within the scheduled operational duration. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi formally accepted the violation, pleaded guilty to the lapse, and consented to the proposed sanction, eliminating the need for a protracted formal hearing before match officials.
Fakhar Zaman's 127 and Minhas's 31-Ball Blitz Fuel Thrilling 326-Run Gaddafi Chase
Earlier in the contest, Sri Lanka had mounted a challenging 325 on the scoreboard, putting Pakistan under immense early pressure when left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka removed opener Maz Sadaqat for 5 and Babar Azam for 10, leaving the hosts reeling at 14 for 2. Turning the tide, veteran opener Fakhar Zaman struck an innings of 127 off 99 deliveries, punctuated by 11 boundaries and six maximums, building a crucial 149-run revival stand alongside Saad Baig, who anchored steadily with 70 off 75 balls. While middle-order contributions from Hasan Nawaz (37) kept momentum alive, young all-rounder Arafat Minhas produced a game-changing cameo of 61 off just 31 balls featuring four sixes, ensuring Pakistan crossed the victory line with ease and securing the Player of the Series award alongside the championship trophy.
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