The Pakistan women's team have been punished by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for maintaining a slow over rate during their clash against arch-rivals India in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 14.
Pakistan face punishment from ICC
The action comes after the Women in Green endured a disappointing 64-run loss against the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side in their campaign opener of the competition. Pakistan failed to create an impact with both bat and ball.
Also Read: Smriti Mandhana becomes only Indian athlete in TIME's 100 Most Influential Sportspersons list
As an outcome of the over-rate breach, ICC has fined five percent of the players' match fees, adding to Pakistan's frustration after their big loss.
The penalty was given by ICC match referee Tudy Anderson following Pakistan were ruled to be one over behind the required rate once all permitted time allowances had been accounted for. Fatima Sana's side faced a five per cent fine from their match fees.
As per the Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, the match referee confirmed that the Minimum Over Rate has not been achieved by Pakistan, which results in a Notice of Charge in accordance with Article 4.1 of the Code of Conduct with the Team Captain being charged on behalf of all the Players in the fielding side as well as him/herself) and the matter then be reviewed and decided by the Match referee in check with the procedures outlined in Article 5.
As per the regulations, all 11 players of the fielding team are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over they fall behind the minimum criteria.
Next challenge for Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup 2026
After facing a shameful loss against India, Pakistan will prepare themselves to lock horns against the mighty South Africa in their upcoming clash in the tournament on Wednesday, June 17 at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The Fatima Sana-led side will aim to make a strong comeback to stay alive in the competition.