Hosts and defending champions Pakistan had a horrible start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In addition, the team has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan lost the opener by 60 runs

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 started with the Group A Pakistan vs New Zealand match at the National Stadium in Karachi last Wednesday (February 19). After the Blackcaps were sent to bat first, they scored 320/5, thanks to twin centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips’ firing batting performance. 

In reply, Pakistan's top-order batters provided a very slow start, which never matched the chase despite some aggressive batting performances later. The hosts were all out for 260 runs. The 60-run loss was a big defeat for the hosts, as the tournament hardly provided a second chance. 

On Thursday, Pakistan expectedly got bad news as Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out from the tournament after suffering an injury on the second ball of the tournament. Imam-ul-Haq has replaced him. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Group A) Pak vs NZ: Pakistan manage shameful home record; New Zealand create history

Pakistan players penalised for slow over-rate

Now, the ICC has penalised the Pakistan team for a slow over-rate offence in the tournament opener. The team was found one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. Due to not completing 50 overs on time, Pakistan were forced to bowl the last two overs of the New Zealand innings with only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

Due to one over short of the target after time allowances, Pakistan players have been fined five percent of their match fees. The fine has been imposed under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences.

After the on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson, and fourth umpire Alex Wharf levelled the charge, match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction. There is no formal hearing required after Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s acceptance of the charge and penalty.