By Zainab Shafiq 
In a significant shift for IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revamped its rules regarding slow over rate penalties, moving away from immediate match bans for captains. This change comes after high-profile incidents last season, including Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya missing crucial games due to over-rate violations. Under the new system, captains will now face demerit points and financial penalties rather than instant suspensions, aligning the BCCI’s approach with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) regulations.
The revised rules introduce a tiered penalty structure. For a Level 1 offence, captains will lose 25-75% of their match fees and receive demerit points, which will accumulate over a three-year period. A Level 2 offence, deemed more serious, will result in four demerit points. While these points won’t trigger an immediate ban, accumulating four could lead to future suspensions or hefty fines. “The captain will not face a match ban for slow over-rates initially, but repeated offences could have serious consequences,” a BCCI source revealed.
Slow Over Rate New Rule Will Not Affect Pandya’s Ban for MI’s IPL 2025 Opener
This change is particularly relevant for Hardik Pandya, who was suspended for Mumbai Indians’ (MI) opening match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) due to his third over-rate offence during the 2024 season. Pandya’s suspension, coupled with a ₹30 lakh fine, stemmed from a match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). In his absence, star batter Suryakumar Yadav will lead MI at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.
The new system aims to strike a balance between enforcing discipline and ensuring that teams aren’t disproportionately penalized by losing their captains mid-tournament. However, the financial penalties and the looming threat of demerit points ensure that captains remain accountable.
This rule change reflects the BCCI’s efforts to modernize its playing conditions while addressing the practical challenges faced by teams. As the IPL 2025 season kicks off, all eyes will be on how captains adapt to these revised regulations and whether the new system effectively curbs slow over-rates without disrupting the tournament’s flow.
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