KINGSTON, March 18: To add insult to the injury of being the first side to exit the World Cup 2007, Pakistan were fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during their stunning three-wicket loss to Ireland on Saturday at Sabina Park.

ICC match referee Chris Broad imposed the fines after Inzamam-ul-Haq's side was ruled to be four overs short of its target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration.

“With the shortfall being more than two overs, Inzamam, as captain, was automatically charged with a Level two Code of Conduct breach, clause 2.11,” an ICC release said.

Inzamam pleaded not guilty to that charge, but Broad found him guilty in a hearing that took place after the match concluded.

“Inzamam was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for the breach – the minimum amount allowable for a Level 2 offence – as well as a further 40 per cent of his match fee for the shortfall.”

The release noted that the latter fine was added because the captain is automatically fined 10 per cent of his match fee for every over his side fails to bowl in the time allocated.The other members of the Pakistan side were each fined five per cent of their match fees for every over and so are 20 per cent out of pocket following the match.

The hearing was attended by Inzamam, Pakistan team manager Talat Ali, and the four umpires on duty for the match, on-field officials Brian Jerling and Billy Bowden, TV replay umpire Simon Taufel, and reserve official Ian Gould.—AFP