Hardik Pandya - (Source:@Johns/X.com)
In a significant development, the BCCI has decided to revoke a ban on captains' for slow-rate in IPL 2025 as reported by Cricbuzz. The decision was taken during captains' meet of all ten skippers in Mumbai on Thursday, March 20.
BCCI Revokes Ban For Captains' On Slow Over-Rate For IPL 2025
Notably, the rule has existed for several years and numerous captains had to suffer a ban because of slow over-rate in a season. Rishabh Pant missed out on a match against RCB for DC and Hardik Pandya will miss the first match of MI against CSK for the same reasons.
Instead, the BCCI has decided upon a revised structure and planned to introduce demerit points. "The captain will be penalised with demerit points but will not face a match ban for the slow over-rate," said an internal communique seen by Cricbuzz.
If a player is found guilty of a Level 1 offence, he will be charged 25 to 75 per cent match fees. A Level 2 offence, if exactly deemed serious, will result in four demerit points. The demerit points will be calculated for the next three years.
"For every 4 demerit points accumulated, the match referee can impose a penalty, either in the form of a 100 per cent fine or additional demerit points. These demerit points could potentially lead to a match ban in the future. But for slow overrate it won't be a match ban (immediately)" a source said as per Cricbuzz's report.
Will Hardik Pandya Still Miss Mumbai Indians' First Match For IPL 2025 After Rule Change?
The fans are curious whether Hardik Pandya will still miss the first match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 because the ban was imposed on him by the end of the last season. Thus, the change in law won't impact Hardik's ban and the Baroda-based cricketer will continue to miss the CSK match.
Further, the Cricbuzz report also mentioned that there won't be any further chatter around impact player rule and the BCCI would review the rule after 2027 cycle.