Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya has been fined INR 12 lakhs for maintaining a slow over rate during their match against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing IPL 2025. The penalty was imposed after MI’s 36-run defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 30.
Pandya, who had missed MI’s season opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) due to an injury, returned to lead the side but now finds himself in trouble again. Notably, this isn’t his first brush with slow over-rate penalties, as he was previously suspended for the same offense in IPL 2024, forcing him to miss a crucial match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
According to an official IPL statement, “As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Pandya was fined INR 12 lakhs.”
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The IPL governing council had revised slow over-rate regulations ahead of the 2025 season, introducing a demerit points system and suspension rules valid for 36 months. The new framework aims to enforce stricter penalties on captains and teams failing to complete their overs on time.
Hardik Pandya has been fined INR 12 lac after Mumbai Indians maintained a slow over rate during the match against Gujarat Titans. #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/O004vN2A9I
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 30, 2025
Speaking on the matter, Hardik Pandya acknowledged the rule but hinted at its rigidity. “Last year, we were just a couple of minutes late, and at that time, I wasn’t aware of the consequences. It’s unfortunate, but rules are rules. Whether they continue with this system next year is up to the higher authorities,” he told NDTV Sports during a pre-season press conference.
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Meanwhile, MI currently sits ninth in the IPL 2025 standings with zero points. They will look to bounce back when they face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium on March 31.
