Pakistan and Sri Lanka were both penalised for bowling too slowly in the Rawalpindi ODI tri-series opener. The ICC confirmed that the teams missed their required over rates even after permitted delays were taken into account.
The sanctions amount to 10% of match fees for Pakistan’s players and 5% for Sri Lanka’s players. The ICC announced the decision on 19 October 2026.
The charges were brought by on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Wayne Knights, supported by third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi.
Match referee Jeff Crowe assessed Pakistan as two overs behind schedule and Sri Lanka as one over behind. Those figures already reflected the time allowances available under the playing conditions.
Why were the fines different?
Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, the penalty for this offence is 5% of a player’s match fee for each over not completed within the allotted time. Two overs short therefore means a 10% fine, while one over short means 5%. The ICC’s official release explains the calculation.
Captains Shaheen Shah Afridi and Kusal Mendis accepted the ICC penalties, removing the need for formal hearings.
Match result
Pakistan won the opening ODI by 37 runs, with Salman Ali Agha scoring a century. The over-rate penalties do not change that result.
Sri Lanka needed 306 to win but finished on 268 all out in 48.1 overs. The over-rate decision was about how quickly each side completed its bowling duties, not about the runs scored or the outcome.