Ben Stokes' sharp attack on ICC after England's World Test Championship points deduction

England Test captain Ben Stokes hit back at the International Cricket Council (ICC) after his team was fined a slow over rate following the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, claiming the match “still had 10 hours of play left”. “”

On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced sanctions against New Zealand and England for failing to maintain the required over-rate during the series opener in Christchurch.

As a result, both teams were fined 15 percent of their match fees and docked three vital WTC competition points, adding another layer of intrigue to the race to the final.

“Bless you ICC (along with three shrugging emojis),” Stokes said on Instagram. “Knocked out the game with 10 hours to play.”

Ben Stokes' Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/X2GYPilr2U

– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 4 December 2024

“With both New Zealand and England found to be three overs short of the target after taking into account time allowances, both sides were penalized one point for each over found short,” the ICC said.

England captain Stokes and New Zealand captain Tom Latham accepted the charges and proposed sanctions, negating the need for a formal hearing.

The charges were made by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton, while the sanctions were imposed by David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

England, already out of the race for next year's final, won by 8 wickets in Christchurch. They are currently ranked sixth with 10 wins, nine losses and one draw in 20 Tests, which means a PCT of 42.50.

However, the sanctions dealt a significant blow to New Zealand's prospects. The inaugural WTC champions fell from joint fourth place to fifth in the standings.

After penalties, New Zealand's points percentage is 47.92 percent. Even if they win their remaining two Tests against England, their best possible finish would be a points percentage of 55.36. Their fate in reaching the WTC final will depend on the results of other matches.