News Sports Cricket ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Sarfraz Ahmed escapes ban after Pakistan's win over Sri Lanka

ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Sarfraz Ahmed escapes ban after Pakistan's win over Sri Lanka

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was fined along with his team for maintaining a slow over-rate in the game against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed in action during the game against Sri Lanka. Image Source : GETTY IMAGESPakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed in action during the game against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against Sri Lanka during their last Group B fixture in the ICC Champions Trophy at the Sophia Gardens on Monday. Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Sarfraz Ahmed's side was ruled to be one over short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Sarfraz has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 per cent fines.

Sarfraz pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

If there is a second minor over-rate offence committed by Pakistan during the event with Sarfraz as captain, he will be suspended for one match.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Marais Erasmus, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Ian Gould.

Pakistan, who beat Sri Lanka by three wickets on Monday, will now play England in the first semi-final on Wednesday. Meanwhile, India will take on Bangladesh in the second semi-final on Thursday in Birmingham.

(With PTI inputs)