BCCI suspends Rishabh Pant and fines him ₹30 lakh; Delhi Capitals lose appointment and captaincy for IPL 2024 match against RCB

Delhi Capitals suffered a major blow ahead of their must-win IPL 2024 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru as BCCI suspended their captain Rishabh Pant for one match. The DC captain was also slapped with one ₹30 lakh fine. He bore the brunt of maintaining a slow over rate for the third time this season, which falls under the violation of the IPL code of conduct. The third violation occurred in DC’s last match against RR in Delhi.

“Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has been fined and suspended for one match for violating the IPL Code of Conduct after his team posted a slow over rate in the 56th match of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Rajasthan. “Royals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on May 7, 2024,” BCCI said.

According to the IPL Terms and Conditions, the first violation of overrate will result in a fine of $5.00 ₹12 lakh for the captain, the penalty for the second is a fine ₹24 lakh, while the third excessive offense can result in a one-match ban and a fine of ₹30 lakh for the captain.

The rest of the DC players who took part in this game against RR, including the Impact Player, were fined ₹12 Lakh or 50% of their match fees, whichever is less.

“As it was his team’s third offense of the season under the IPL Code of Conduct regarding minimum overage violations, Rishabh Pant was fined INR 30 Lac and suspended for one match. The remaining members of the playing eleven, including the Impact Player, have been individually fined either INR 12 Lac or 50 percent of their respective match fees, whichever is less,” the statement added.

DC loses appeal as BCCI ombudsman rules against Rishabh Pant

DC appealed the match referee’s decision. The appeal was then referred to the BCCI Ombudsman, who conducted a virtual hearing and decided to rule against DC and Pant.

“In accordance with Article 8 of the IPL Code of Conduct, Delhi Capitals have appealed against the decision of the match referee. The complaint was then forwarded to the BCCI Ombudsman for consideration. The Ombudsman conducted a virtual hearing and confirmed that the match referee’s decision remains final and binding,” BCCI added.

Pant’s suspension means DC will have to name a stand-in captain for the crucial game against RCB on Sunday. In all likelihood it will be Australian David Warner.