Staff Report

COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq will not be able to play the opening Test match against Sri Lanka starting in Galle from Friday as International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned him over slow over rate in the fifth and final ODI match.

According to the ICC, Pakistan fell three overs short of their target even after time allowances were taken into consideration. Following the two-wicket defeat, Misbah pleaded guilty to the charge laid by the umpires and the penalties were accepted without the need for a formal hearing.

Players will also face 40% cut in their match fees. SAMAA