IPL Captains Escape Over-Rate Bans, But Demerit Penalties in Place

BCCI Changes IPL Rules: No Immediate Bans for Captains Over Slow Over-Rates

The BCCI has updated the playing conditions for the upcoming IPL season, making a key change to how slow over-rate offences are handled. Captains will no longer face match bans for slow over-rates. Instead, they will receive demerit points, with a ban only in extreme cases.

At a meeting in Mumbai on Thursday (March 20), the BCCI informed all 10 IPL teams about the new system, which is similar to the ICC's rules. Captains will get demerit points based on the seriousness of the offence, and these will stay on record for three years. As per media reports, "The captain will be penalized with demerit points but will not face a match ban for a slow over-rate." A Level 1 offence will result in a fine (25% to 75% of the match fee) and demerit points. A Level 2 offence, if considered serious, will lead to four demerit points.

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For every four demerit points, the match referee can impose penalties like a full match fee fine or more demerit points. While repeated offences could lead to a ban, a slow over-rate alone will not immediately suspend a captain. In the past, captains have missed matches due to slow over-rates. Rishabh Pant had to sit out a crucial game for Delhi Capitals last season, and Hardik Pandya will miss Mumbai Indians' opening match in IPL 2025 because of an over-rate offence from last season.

Impact Player Rule Stays Until 2027

The BCCI also confirmed that the Impact Player Rule substitutes one player during a match, and will remain in place until at least 2027. Another rule change is the expansion of the Decision Review System (DRS). Players can now challenge umpire calls on wides outside the off-stump and high full tosses.