Hardik Pandya Banned for IPL 2025 Opener Due to Slow Over Rate Violation
Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya will miss the opening match of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season after being penalized for a slow over rate during MI’s final match of IPL 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the ban late Friday night, citing that this was Pandya’s third over rate offense of the season. Along with the one-match suspension, Pandya was fined ₹30 lakh, while MI players, including the Impact Player, were fined ₹12 lakh or 50% of their match fees.
The penalty comes as another setback for Pandya after a disappointing season both as captain and player. MI finished last on the points table with only four wins in 14 matches. Pandya’s personal performance was underwhelming, scoring just 218 runs at an average of 18 and taking 11 wickets with an economy rate of 10.75. His inability to inspire the team was evident as the five-time champions struggled throughout the season.
Reflecting on the season, Pandya admitted, “It was quite difficult. We did not play good quality cricket, eventually costing us the whole season.” With the ban carrying over to the first match of the next season, MI will need to find a temporary replacement as captain, though Pandya is expected to retain his role as full-time captain for the rest of the season.
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