Apex Council fines India and West Indies for slow over rate during first T20I

India and West Indies have been fined guilty of breaching the over-rate code during the first T20I in Trinidad. In a low-scoring game, the home team batted first and amassed 149/6. In reply, the Men In Blue were going well but fell short by four runs in the game. With this, the Maroon Brigade is leading the five-match series 1-0.

While the Hardik Pandya-led side bowled one over short of time, the Rovman Powell-led side bowled two overs short. In a statement, the Apex Council has said "India was fined five per cent of their match fee for falling one over short of the minimum over rate, while West Indies have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee for falling two overs short of the minimum over rate," it said in its statement.

"Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Hardik Pandya and Rovman Powell's sides were ruled to be one and two overs short respectively of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration."

Both West Indies and India skippers have pleaded guilty

Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel relates to minimum over-rate offences. The ICC said that the players are "fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, subject to a cap of 50 per cent of the match fee."

The international governing body stated that a further hearing was not necessary as Hardik Pandya and Rovman Powell pleaded guilty to the offences and accepted the proposed sanctions. "On-field umpires Gregory Brathwaite and Patrick Gustard, third umpire Nigel Duguid and fourth umpire Leslie Reifer leveled the charges," it said.