ICC Fines West Indies, Docks WTC Points for Slow Over-Rate Despite Series Win

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined the West Indies 10% of their match fee and deducted two World Test Championship (WTC) points for maintaining a slow over-rate during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Antigua.

The hosts were found to be two overs short of the required target after time allowances were taken into account. Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their team fails to bowl in the allotted time. As a result, the West Indies received a total fine of 10%.

The slow over-rate also affected the team’s WTC campaign. According to the championship playing conditions, teams lose one WTC point for every over they fall short. The two-point penalty reduces the West Indies’ total to 18 points in the current WTC standings.

There was no need for a formal hearing after captain Roston Chase accepted responsibility for the offence. He pleaded guilty to the charge and agreed to the sanction proposed by match referee Javagal Srinath.

The punishment came after a high-scoring draw in the second Test at Antigua. While the penalty hurts the West Indies’ position in the WTC table, it did not change the outcome of the series.

The drawn match was enough for the West Indies to seal a memorable 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka. It is an important result for the home side, even though they will now have to make up for the lost championship points as the WTC cycle continues.