Pakistan Loses Five WTC Points for Slow Over Rate in Cape Town Test

Pakistan have been penalized for a slow over rate during their 10-wicket loss to South Africa in the second Test in Cape Town, resulting in a deduction of five World Test Championship (WTC) points and a fine of 25% of their match fee. The team was found to be five overs short of their target, […]

The sanction was imposed by match referee Richie Richardson after Pakistan captain Shan Masood pleaded guilty to the charge. The charge was made by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, along with third umpire Alex Wharf and fourth umpire Stephen Harris, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. This penalty brings Pakistan’s total point loss to 13 during the 2023-25 WTC cycle, putting them at risk of finishing in the bottom place.

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Teams are penalized one point for each over they fall short of their target. This marks Pakistan’s third points deduction in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. They were initially docked two points following their first Test against Australia in Perth in December 2023.

In addition, Pakistan received a six-point deduction after their first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in August 2024. With this latest penalty, their total points lost in the current cycle has increased, further jeopardizing their position in the standings.

As a result of the latest penalty, Pakistan now have 35 points from 12 Tests in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, down from a possible 48. Their points percentage, which determines their position on the WTC table, has dropped from 27.78 to 24.31. While they remain in eighth place, their points percentage now sits just slightly above the West Indies, who occupy the bottom spot with a percentage of 24.24, despite having no over-rate deductions.

This deduction adds further intrigue to one of the two remaining series in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Pakistan are set to host the West Indies for two Tests in Karachi and Multan, starting January 16, with both teams eager to improve their positions in the standings.

Mominul Expresses Concerns Over Proposed Two-Tier Test System

Bangladesh batter Mominul Haque expressed his frustration on Tuesday regarding the potential introduction of a two-tier Test structure, stating that it could diminish the value of the longer format in the country. Haque’s comments come in light of ongoing discussions among India, Australia, and England to restructure Test cricket into two divisions. This new structure would allow the “Big Three” to face each other more frequently, fostering greater competition among them.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, the proposed two-tier system would be implemented after the current Future Tours Program concludes in 2027. Under the new structure, Australia, England, and India would play against each other twice every three years, compared to the current arrangement where these encounters occur only twice every four years. The restructuring aims to increase the frequency of high-profile matchups between the top cricketing nations.

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Indian chairman, Jay Shah, is expected to meet with representatives from the Australian and English cricket boards this month to discuss the potential changes. While the ICC has not yet issued a formal statement on whether the proposal is under consideration, the prospect of such a shift has already sparked concern within the cricketing community.

For Haque, a player considered a Test specialist, the speculation surrounding the two-tier system is unsettling. He believes that such a move could undermine the significance of Test cricket in nations like Bangladesh, where the longer format holds particular importance and still faces challenges in terms of exposure and development.

Mominul Haque voiced his frustration over the potential two-tier Test structure in an interview with Cricbuzz on Tuesday, expressing concerns about the impact on lower-tier teams like Bangladesh. “It’s frustrating for me,” Mominul said. “I am not making any team small, but I am not sure what process will be followed in the lower tier. I am not sure whether we can progress to the first tier if we play well in the second tier.” The uncertainty about promotion and relegation in the proposed structure has left him unsure about the future of teams in the lower division.

The Bangladesh batter also raised concerns about the overall reduction in the number of Test matches, which he believes would be detrimental to the development of Test cricketers. “I think the number of Test matches will be lesser, and it is very frustrating for the Test players,” he explained. “If we don’t play against good teams, our game will not improve. You will remain at the same level if you are playing among yourselves and not against bigger and tougher opposition.” For Mominul, the opportunity to compete against top-tier teams is essential for improvement and growth in the longer format.

Furthermore, Mominul highlighted the potential decrease in the value of Test cricket, suggesting that fewer matches would ultimately make the format less appealing to players. “The value of Test cricket will go down if this happens,” he said. “There will be lesser Tests, and as the value gets lesser, players will go for white-ball cricket.” His words reflect a concern that the format’s prestige might diminish, leading to fewer players choosing Test cricket over more lucrative white-ball formats.

If the proposal moves forward, it is speculated that teams like South Africa, Australia, England, and India would be placed in Division 1, while Bangladesh is likely to be relegated to the second division. This shift could further isolate smaller cricketing nations and create challenges for their players’ development in the longest format of the game.