IPL 2025: BCCI introduces revised rules for slow over rate offence, captains will not face immediate ban

The slow over-rate offences have caused some captains to pay the penalty of missing out on a game last season. The BCCI has revised the playing conditions going into the tournament where it was also revealed that there will be no immediate ban on the captain due to this offence going forward. 

This is the rule that led to Rishabh Pant missing a game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) recently Hardik Pandya has also faced the music due to the offence last season which will lead to him missing the upcoming opening game for the Mumbai Indians (MI) against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). It turns out the new revised rules are similar to the system of the ICC where the captains instead of being immediately banned for matches will suffer demerit points for the offence. However, the skipper will not be forgiven since this rule could impact their match fee. The further demerit points though could still lead to a ban for the captain. 

“The captain will be penalised with demerit points but will not face a match ban for the slow over-rate, the Level 1 offence will be charged 25 to 75 percent match fees with demerit points which will be calculated for next three years. A Level 2 offence, if exactly deemed serious, will result in four demerit points,” an internal communique said as quoted by Cricbuzz. 

“For every 4 demerit points accumulated, the match referee can impose a penalty, either in the form of a 100 percent 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 from the Know said. 

Speaking of the Hardik Pandya slow over-rate offence it took place in a match between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) in the 2024 season. Since it was Pandya’s third offence he was not only suspended for one game but also had to pay a 30 Lakh fine as well. MI will be led by star batter Suryakumar Yadav in the opening game which will be played at the Chepauk.