London, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sri Lanka have been fined 15 per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first ODI against England at Chester-le-Street, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka were found to be three overs short of the required rate after time allowances were taken into account during Tuesday’s match at the Riverside Ground.
ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees member Jeff Crowe imposed the sanction under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which governs minimum over-rate offences.
Under the provision, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their team falls short of the required rate. With Sri Lanka three overs behind schedule, the players were therefore fined 15 per cent.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, ruling out the need for a formal hearing.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Wayne Knights and Graham Lloyd, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official James Middlebrook.
The sanction followed Sri Lanka’s 89-run defeat to England in the opening match of the three-ODI series.
Batting first, England posted 265, with Harry Brook top-scoring with 67 and Will Jacks contributing an unbeaten 46. Jacks then played a key role with the ball, taking five wickets for 22 runs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 176.
Janith Wellalage scored 45 and Mendis made 42 for Sri Lanka, while debutant Sachindu Colombage and Asitha Fernando claimed three wickets each.
The second ODI is scheduled to be played on September 24.
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