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Pakistan lifted the ODI Tri-Series trophy after defeating Sri Lanka in a thrilling final, but the celebrations did not end without controversy. Despite securing the title, the Pakistan cricket team faced disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for maintaining a slow over-rate. The ICC imposed a fine of five per cent of the players' match fees, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi accepted the offence.
The final was played on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Pakistan registered a three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. Fakhar Zaman's amazing century helped Pakistan chase down a challenging target, but the slow over-rate violation brought an unexpected setback for the champions.
Why Did the ICC Fine Pakistan Despite Winning the Tri-Series Final?
The ICC took disciplinary action against Pakistan because the team failed to maintain the required over-rate during the ODI Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka.
After considering the permitted time allowances, match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel found Pakistan one over behind the required rate. Consequently, the Pakistani players were fined five per cent of their match fees.
Pakistan Penalised for Slow Over-Rate: What Does the ICC Rule Say?
The penalty was imposed under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
According to this rule, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their team falls short of the required over-rate within the allotted time.
Since Pakistan were found one over short during the final, the ICC imposed a five per cent fine on the players' match fees.
Shaheen Afridi Accepts ICC Charge After Pakistan's Victory
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi accepted the slow over-rate offence and agreed to the penalty proposed by the match referee.
The charges were brought by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz.
As Shaheen Afridi admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, there was no requirement for a formal hearing. This brought the ICC disciplinary proceedings to a close.
Fakhar Zaman's 127-Run Century Powers Pakistan to Tri-Series Title
Before facing the ICC penalty, Pakistan produced an impressive performance to win the ODI Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a strong total of 325 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Pakistan needed 326 runs to win and successfully completed the chase with nine balls remaining, securing a three-wicket victory.
Fakhar Zaman was the biggest star of the match, smashing 127 runs off 99 deliveries. His innings featured 11 fours and six sixes, playing a crucial role in Pakistan's successful run chase.
His match-winning century helped Pakistan overcome Sri Lanka and lift the Tri-Series trophy on home soil.
Pakistan's Trophy Celebration Overshadowed by ICC Action
Pakistan's victory over Sri Lanka was a memorable achievement, with Fakhar Zaman's brilliant century becoming one of the biggest highlights of the final. However, the slow over-rate offence meant the team also had to face an ICC penalty after winning the trophy.
While Pakistan celebrated their Tri-Series triumph, the five per cent fine and Shaheen Shah Afridi's acceptance of the charge became major talking points following the final.
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