By BV Swagath
In a setback to Pakistan ahead of the Test Series, Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has been slapped with a one-match ban by the ICC. The Pakistani Skipper has been found guilty of slow over-rate by three overs during the 5th ODI at Colombo. His teammates received a 40% fine of their match fees from ICC Referee Chris Broad.
The one-match suspension on Misbah will be implemented immediately which means that he will be ineligible to play in the opening Test at Galle. In Misbah’s absence, Mohammad Hafeez will lead Pakistan in the First Test which will start on the 22nd of this month. This will be the first instance in which Hafeez will be leading Pakistan in a Test Match.