Just before the start of IPL 2025, the BCCI has introduced a significant rule change by abolishing the ban on captains for slow over rate. This means that no captain will be suspended due to repeated slow over rate violations. However, despite this change, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will still miss the opening match against Chennai Super Kings on March 23.

Why is Hardik Pandya Still Banned?

• The new rule is effective from IPL 2025 onwards, meaning past violations are still valid.
• Hardik Pandya was found guilty three times of slow over rate in IPL 2024, resulting in a one-match suspension.
• Since this suspension was issued under the old rules, he still has to serve his punishment in IPL 2025.

New Slow Over Rate Rules in IPL 2025

The BCCI has now aligned IPL’s over-rate penalties with international cricket. Under the new rules:

• Captains will not face suspension for slow over rate violations.
• Instead, they will be penalized with fines and demerit points.
• If a team repeatedly violates slow over rate rules, it may be classified as a Level-2 offense, resulting in:
  • 4 demerit points for the captain.
  • 100% match fee deduction or additional demerit points at the discretion of the match referee.

Previous Players Who Faced Suspension

• Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians) and Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals) were banned for one match in IPL 2024 due to repeated slow over rate violations.
• While Pandya must still serve his suspension, the new rule ensures no future captain will be banned for this offense.