The Sparks picked up the penalty during the 10-run win against Northern Districts in Alexandra on December 29.
The team did not complete its 20 overs within the allowable timeframe and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has defended the decision to follow through with a sanction clearly outlined in the playing conditions.
Otago Cricket Association chief executive Mike Coggan said the association has accepted the decision, but it is concerned the penalty is too tough.
"Certainly this will be one of a number of things we look to review come the conclusion of the season," Coggan said when asked if he would press for a change to the playing conditions.
"My opinion is there is a level of inconsistency between the ruling in the men’s game and ruling in the women’s game."
The men are fined for slow over rates whereas in the women’s game a half-point is docked for each over behind they are.
"In this case it may have a material impact on the competition where a team may miss out on a playoff. I think that is more detrimental than a monetary fine, so that was our view.’’
The top three teams progress to the playoffs and the Sparks are in third place with 15.5 points from eight games.
They are well-placed to make the playoffs but could still miss out because of the deduction.
That would seem a harsh penalty for being a few minutes late finishing their overs. But NZC's general manager of cricket operations Catherine Campbell defended the decision yesterday.
"Captains are well informed throughout the game [regarding over rates] and this was no different," Campbell said.
"The playing conditions are not something we unilaterally impose. They are a consultative process ... but when something like this happens people respond.
"Clearly because there has been a breach, and someone has been penalised, that has drawn attention to a rule which has been in place for a significant period of time.
"I’m sure it will be on the list now to be discussed at the end of the season.
"But T20 is all about the speed of the game and getting through the overs."
Initially the penalty for slow over rates in the men’s twenty20 competition was a bonus five runs for the opposition. But that rule had to be changed because no-one wanted the crowd leaving believing in one result, only to find out the side batting second had actually won because of bonus runs.
Campbell said NZC invited feedback on the playing conditions at the end of each season and if there were suggested changes those were discussed.
"If there are [suggested changes] then that becomes a discussion between the major associations and NZC and often the players’ association. And then we reach an agreement on whether we make a change or not."
