MIRPUR: Pakistan’s troubles deepened after their shocking defeat against Bangladesh in the opening Test, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed heavy penalties on the visitors for maintaining a slow over-rate during the match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
The ICC fined Pakistan players 40 per cent of their match fees and deducted eight crucial points from their tally in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings after the side was found eight overs short of the required target once time allowances were considered.
According to the ICC’s Code of Conduct, teams are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over not completed within the allotted time. The sanction was confirmed by match referee Jeff Crowe from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted the offence and accepted the punishment, eliminating the need for a formal disciplinary hearing. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, alongside third umpire Allahuddien Palekar and fourth umpire Gazi Sohel.
The punishment came immediately after Bangladesh scripted history with a memorable 104-run victory over Pakistan — their first-ever home Test win against the visitors.
Chasing a target of 268 runs, Pakistan appeared to be in control at 119/3 before suffering a dramatic batting collapse and getting bowled out for just 163. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack turned the game around in remarkable fashion, leaving Pakistan stunned.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh piled up 413 runs in the first innings, powered by a superb century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and an impressive 91-run knock from Mominul Haque.
Pakistan responded with 386 runs thanks to a brilliant debut century from Azan Awais, while Abdullah Fazal and Mohammad Rizwan also made valuable contributions.
The defeat and subsequent ICC penalties dealt a major blow to Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign. Bangladesh climbed to sixth position in the WTC standings, while Pakistan slipped to seventh after suffering their second defeat in three matches.
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