Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya has been slapped with a heavy fine for breaching IPL's code of conduct during their clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday, April 18. Hardik Pandya payed the price of maintaining slow over rate in the match against PBKS and was thus fined a hefty Rs 12 lakh.
Hardik Pandya bears brunt for breaching IPL's code of conduct
"Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians captain, has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on April 18," BCCI said in a release.
"It was MI's first overrate offence this season. "As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offences, Pandya was fined ₹12 lakhs," the release further added.
How does slow over rate penalties work?
The IPL enforces strict penalties for repeated slow over rates. If Hardik commits it again, under IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offences, he will be fined INR 24 lakhs. Not just this, the rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, will individually be fined either INR 6 lakhs or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser. A third offense within a season results in a hefty ₹30 lakh fine and a one-match suspension for the captain, along with a ₹12 lakh fine or 50% of their match fee (whichever is higher) for the rest of the team. This serves as a strong reminder for Rishabh Pant to ensure his team avoids further breaches.
How the PBKS vs MI's clash unfolded?
MI's slow over rate came back to haunt them as they were restricted to four fielders outside the circle during the crucial last two overs against PBKS.
The drama in the final overs of the match was immense. Ashutosh Sharma's brilliance had brought Punjab Kings back into the game, needing just 23 runs from the last 12 balls in the chase of 192/7. Mumbai Indians, however, bore the brunt of their earlier slow over rate. Captain Hardik Pandya and fast bowler Akash Madhwal were forced to operate with only four fielders outside the circle, limiting their tactical options.
Hardik, though, displayed nerves of steel in the penultimate over. He conceded only four runs in the first three balls before pulling off a crucial wicket. Harpreet Brar, despite connecting well, found himself out towards the longer boundary, holing out to Mohammad Nabi at fine leg.
But the twists and turns weren't over. Kagiso Rabada, the last recognized batsman for Punjab, smashed his first ball for a six, refusing to give up the chase. The equation narrowed down to 12 runs needed off the final over. Madhwal started the over with a wide, followed by another full and wide delivery that Rabada managed to connect with. This time, Mohammad Nabi, fielding at deep point once again, showcased his brilliance. He charged the ball, secured a clean pick-up, and unleashed a flat throw towards the striker's end, leaving the outcome of the match hanging in the balance.
The final moments were a nail-biting spectacle. Rabada, desperate for the second run, raced back for the crease, but Ishan Kishan's swift work behind the stumps ended his valiant effort. Initially, a sense of uncertainty hung in the air among the MI fielders. However, replays confirmed Rabada was short, and a wave of jubilation erupted as they realized they had secured a narrow nine-run victory.
This win marked Mumbai's third triumph in their last four matches. However, the path to victory was far from smooth. Chasing a target of 193, Punjab Kings found themselves in a precarious position at 111/7. Enter Ashutosh Sharma, who single-handedly revived their hopes with a blistering knock. His 28-ball 61, studded with seven sixes, transformed the chase into a seemingly attainable feat. However, his dismissal in the 18th over, while attempting a six off Gerald Coetzee, proved to be a turning point, ultimately tilting the balance in Mumbai's favor.
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