In another blow to go with a forgettable 3-0 series defeat to England, Pakistan have been slapped with dual sanctions for maintaining a slow over-rate in the final Test at Edgbaston, which they lost by eight wickets. The visitors received a deduction of 11 points in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, in addition to the players being fined 50 per cent of their match fee.

Pakistan bowled 89 overs in their first bowling innings at Edgbaston and were found to be 11 overs short of the required target after time allowances were taken into consideration. The sanctions were levied in accordance with Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, which penalises a team of one point for every over short, and Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which docks players of five per cent of their match fee for every over short. The maximum penalty, however, is capped at 50 per cent of their match fee.

The sanctions follow a troubled tour for Pakistan, after seven players were sent home following the second Test at Lord’s. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was also sent packing, with white-ball coach Mike Hesson stepping in on an interim basis in Birmingham.

Pakistan, who were already at the foot of the WTC points table, now have a points percentage of 4.63 after nine Tests across four series this cycle, effectively ruling out even the slimmest possible chance of making the final. They are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in November, before New Zealand also tour the country in 2027.