Sunil Narine became the first cricketer to be sent off by a red card in a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match.
The red card rule was introduced in the CPL this year to discourage slow over rates. If a bowling team is behind the over rate at the start of the 20th over, they will be given a red card. The captain of the bowling team then has to choose one player to be dismissed for the final six balls of the innings. The team must also field only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
In the match on Monday, Trinbago Knight Riders were found to be behind the over rate at the start of the 20th over. Captain Kieron Pollard chose to dismiss Narine, who had already bowled his full quota of four overs. Narine had taken 24 runs for three wickets in his four overs.
The red card rule has been met with mixed reactions from players and fans. Some have praised the rule for discouraging slow over rates, while others have argued that it is too harsh. Only time will tell whether the red card rule will be effective in improving over rates in the CPL.
