In a significant setback for the Delhi Capitals, their captain, Rishabh Pant, has been suspended for one match and fined ₹30 lakh by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The suspension comes after Pant’s team was found guilty of maintaining a slow over rate for the third time in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.
The incident leading to Pant’s suspension occurred during Delhi Capitals’ recent match against the Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on May 7, 2024. The slow over rate, a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct, was deemed serious enough to warrant the hefty penalty and suspension for Pant.
According to BCCI regulations, the first instance of a slow over rate offense incurs a fine of ₹12 lakh for the captain. The penalty increases to ₹24 lakh for the second offense, and for the third offense, the captain faces a suspension for one match along with a fine of ₹30 lakh.
Apart from Pant’s suspension and fine, the rest of the Delhi Capitals players who were part of the match against Rajasthan Royals were also penalized. They were fined ₹12 lakh each or 50% of their match fees, whichever is lower.
Delhi Capitals, however, did not take the ruling lightly. The team filed an appeal against the decision of the match referee, hoping to overturn or reduce the sanctions imposed on Pant. The appeal was subsequently referred to the BCCI Ombudsman for review.
Despite Delhi Capitals’ efforts, the BCCI Ombudsman upheld the decision of the match referee, ruling against Pant and the team. This ruling means that Delhi Capitals will have to name a stand-in captain for their crucial match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
With Pant unavailable for selection, it is widely speculated that Australian cricketer David Warner will lead the team in Pant’s absence.
The suspension of Pant is a significant blow to Delhi Capitals’ campaign in the IPL 2024 season, as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs. His absence will not only impact the team’s performance on the field but also their overall strategy and leadership dynamics.
Delhi Capitals’ next match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday is now even more critical, as they look to regroup and secure a victory without their regular captain.
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