New Delhi: In a significant development affecting the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, team captain Rishabh Pant has been sanctioned with a one-match suspension and a hefty fine of Rs 30 lakh. This disciplinary action comes after DC’s failure to maintain the required over-rate during their recent clash with the Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on May 7.
The IPL authorities have taken a strict stance on the matter, as this incident marks the third such offense by the Delhi Capitals this season concerning slow over-rates. Consequently, the IPL’s Code of Conduct has been invoked, leading to Pant’s suspension and fine.
In addition to Pant’s penalties, the other members of the playing squad, including the designated Impact Player, have been individually fined either Rs 12 lakh or 50% of their match fees, depending on which amount is lower.
The Delhi Capitals, who are currently positioned fifth on the IPL points table, are gearing up to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, another team eyeing a spot in the playoffs. This upcoming encounter, scheduled for Sunday night, will now see the Capitals without their captain’s leadership on the field.
Following the initial ruling by match referee Daniel Manohar, DC lodged an appeal, which led to the involvement of the BCCI Ombudsman for a comprehensive review. Despite the appeal, the Ombudsman upheld the match referee’s decision as final and binding after a thorough virtual hearing.
During the hearing, Pant, along with DC head coach Ricky Ponting and Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly, presented their case. They were joined by BCCI CEO Hemang Amin and the match referee. Pant argued that the extreme heat on the day of the match was a contributing factor to the slow over-rate. He also pointed out that the lengthy review for the dismissal of Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson, which took around 5-6 minutes, was not adequately compensated by the standard 3-minute allowance.
Ponting supported Pant’s argument, highlighting that the late delivery of multiple wide balls by DC’s bowlers left no opportunity to recover the lost time, as there were no remaining overs to accelerate the over-rate using spinners. Ponting emphasized that Pant should not be held accountable for the bowlers’ actions.
Ganguly further argued that the Ball Retrieval Allowance, typically granted when sixes are hit, was only applied on three occasions despite the Rajasthan Royals’ batters hitting a total of 13 sixes during their innings. Additionally, he contended that the 3-minute allowance for the review of Samson’s dismissal was insufficient, given the extra time consumed by the player’s protest and the review process itself.
As the IPL 2024 progresses, fans and teams alike are keeping a close eye on the evolving dynamics of the tournament, including the race for the coveted Orange Cap and Purple Cap, the complete schedule, the points table, and the players leading in categories such as Most Sixes, Most Fours, and Most Fifties.
The Delhi Capitals will now have to navigate their next crucial match without their captain, as they strive to secure their position in the playoffs. The outcome of this match could significantly influence the team’s chances of advancing further in the tournament.
