Pakistan lose 11 WTC points after slow over-rate

Pakistan have been penalized by the ICC for their slow over-rate during the third Test against England at Edgbaston. The team was 11 overs below the required rate, leading to a fine amounting to 50% of their match fee. Additionally, they faced a further sanction with 11 of their 50 WTC points being deducted, pushing them to ninth place in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 4.63.

This leaves them last in the table, separated from second-placed West Indies by 25 points. The punishment was handed out by the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, including Ranjan Madugalle, after being alerted by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel, Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Allahudien Palekar, and fourth umpire Russell Warren.

Under the ICC Code of Conduct, a team faces a fine of 5% of their match fee for each over they fall short of the required rate, with the maximum penalty capped at 50%. This measure impacts the entire team, including Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who will also face the consequences. The sanctions further complicate Pakistan's already challenging Test series against England, as they lost all three matches.

The team's difficulties are also compounded by internal issues, including the sacking of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the return of seven players home during the series. Pakistan will next face WTC action when they host Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in Rawalpindi and Lahore in November.