Zimbabwe has been fined due to a slow over-rate in their T20I against Afghanistan, following a match they lost by three wickets. As a result, the players will incur a 10 percent deduction from their match fees, as penalized by the match officials based on ICC regulations. The series sees Afghanistan taking two consecutive wins after Zimbabwe won the first match.
Zimbabwe has been penalized for a slow over-rate during their recent T20 International match against Afghanistan in Harare. Following the match, which ended with Afghanistan winning by three wickets, the Zimbabwean players were fined 10 percent of their match fees. The decision was made by on-field umpires Iknow Chabi and Forster Mutizwa, along with third umpire Percival Sizara and fourth umpire Langton Rusere. Team captain Sikandar Raza accepted responsibility for the breach and acknowledged the sanctions imposed by Emirates ICC Elite Panel Match Referee Andy Pycroft.
The disciplinary charges were filed in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which addresses minimum over-rate violations. According to the guidelines, players incur a fine of five percent of their match fee for each over that their team fails to deliver within the stipulated time frame. During the ongoing series against Afghanistan, Zimbabwe emerged victorious in the initial T20I but subsequently lost the series, with Afghanistan winning the next two encounters. Following this T20I series, both teams are set to participate in three One Day Internationals, which will be followed by two Test matches.
This incident occurs within the context of Zimbabwe hosting Afghanistan for a comprehensive series that includes matches across all formats: Twenty20, One Day Internationals, and Test matches. Slow over-rates have become a common concern in international cricket, affecting the rhythm of games and leading to penalties for offending teams. The ICC introduced stringent regulations to ensure that teams adhere to the required pace of play to maintain spectator engagement and the integrity of the game.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s fine for a slow over-rate highlights the importance of adhering to match regulations set forth by the ICC. Captain Sikandar Raza’s acceptance of the penalties reflects a recognition of the need for compliance to ensure fair play. As the series progresses with further matches, both teams will be keen to maintain their performance while remaining vigilant about time regulations to avoid similar repercussions in the future.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
