Champions Trophy 2025: Big Blow! Pakistan Fined Ahead Of Crucial IND vs PAK Clash In Dubai

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Champions Trophy 2025: The Mohammad Rizwan-lead Pakistan have been fined five percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The defending champions, who suffered a 60-run defeat to the Kiwis on Wednesday, were found to be one over short of the required rate after accounting for time allowances, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Thursday.

On-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, along with third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Alex Wharf, charged Pakistan with the over-rate offence. Match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction, resulting in a five percent deduction from each player's match fee. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan accepted the penalty, negating the need for a formal hearing.

The fine was levied under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which stipulates that players are docked five percent of their match earnings for each over their team falls short of the target within the allocated time.

This marks a disappointing start for Pakistan, who are hosting an ICC event for the first time since the 1996 World Cup. New Zealand, batting first, set a formidable target, and despite Pakistan's efforts, they fell significantly short in the chase. The result leaves the Men in Green in a precarious position in Group A, with a must-win encounter against arch-rivals India up next.

The high-stakes clash against India is scheduled for Sunday in Dubai, and Pakistan will be looking to bounce back from their opening loss. With the pressure mounting, Rizwan and his squad will need to address their on-field performance concerns to keep their title defense alive in the tournament.