Zimbabwe’s players were fined 10 percent of their match fee for a slow over-rate during a T20I against Afghanistan, which they lost by three wickets. Captain Sikandar Raza accepted the sanctions imposed by the match referees related to ICC Code of Conduct guidelines. The teams are currently engaged in an all-format tour after Afghanistan secured the T20I series.
Zimbabwe has faced sanctions due to a slow over-rate during their recent T20I match against Afghanistan in Harare, resulting in a 10 percent deduction from the match fees of the players. The Afghan team secured victory in this low-scoring contest by three wickets. The penalties were imposed by the on-field umpires, including Iknow Chabi, Forster Mutizwa, third umpire Percival Sizara, and fourth umpire Langton Rusere. Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, acknowledged his team’s guilt regarding the slow over-rate and accepted the disciplinary actions outlined by Andy Pycroft, the Emirates ICC Elite Panel Match Referee.
According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams that fail to complete their overs within the designated timeframe incur significant fines, specifically five percent for each over bowled late. This incident occurred during an all-format tour in which Zimbabwe is hosting Afghanistan, starting with a series of three T20 matches. After Zimbabwe won the first match, Afghanistan bounced back to clinch the series with consecutive victories. The two teams are set to engage in three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by two Test matches.
The issue of slow over-rates has been a recurring concern in cricket, as it affects the flow and schedule of matches. The ICC has established strict guidelines and penalties to mitigate delays and ensure adherence to match timelines. Slow over-rate infractions result in financial penalties for players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pace during games. This incident with Zimbabwe serves as a reminder of the implications of over-rate violations within international cricket and the broader impacts on player statistics and team performance.
In conclusion, the slow over-rate infringement by Zimbabwe during their T20I match against Afghanistan has led to a 10 percent fine on the players’ match fees. This situation not only illustrates the ICC’s strict enforcement of playing time regulations but also underscores the critical role of captains and teams in managing match flow. With upcoming ODIs and Test matches, Zimbabwe must remain vigilant to avoid further penalties and enhance their on-field performance.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
