IPL2024: Hardik Pandya fined Rs. 12 lakh for continuing to bowl slowly against MI

When Hardik Pandya fell under the required over rate during Thursday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Punjab Kings and Chandigarh, he was given a punishment. With a dramatic third-round victory, MI maintained their chances of qualifying by defeating the hosts by nine runs. The victory was not without cost, however, as Hardik was fined Rs 12 lakhs for violating the IPL Code of Conduct on over-rates.

MI bowled two overs short in the second innings, almost escaping Ashutosh Sharma’s attack, and successfully defended 192 to deliver PBKS their sixth defeat of the year.

“Pandya was fined Rs 12 lakhs as it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences,” the BCCI said in a statement on Thursday.

Heroes from MI who led the way
In addition, MI had to deal with the field limitations that result from missing the minimum overrate. MI was only permitted to have four fielders beyond the 30-yard circle for the last two overs, as opposed to the customary five. To secure the victory for MI, bowler Akash Madhwal maintained his composure and successfully protected 13 runs off the last over, negating the need for an additional fielder.

After the exciting victory, Pandya expressed his happiness and relief, adding that everyone’s nerves were put to the test since the IPL often proves that the opposition can recover. Jasprit Bumrah, the pace spearhead, was named Player of the Match as he amassed outstanding statistics of 3 for 21 throughout the four-over period. Following with a 3 for 32 performance, Gerald Coetzee helped the five-time winners climb to the seventh position, while PBKS dropped to the ninth.