Shocking! BCCI Bans Hardik Pandya from Next IPL's First Match

Hardik Pandya Banned from Next IPL's First Match; BCCI Fines MI Captain INR 30 Lakh

The BCCI announced that Hardik Pandya would miss Mumbai Indians' first match next season due to a slow over rate ban. Despite the disappointments of IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder faced another setback before teams could start planning for the next season. BCCI declared late Friday night that Hardik would miss the first match next season due to a slow over rate in MI's last match against Lucknow Super Giants this year.

"Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians captain, has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during their TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on May 17," BCCI said.

As MI has no more matches this year, the ban will apply to the first match of next season. MI will need a different leader for their opener next year even if Hardik remains their full-time captain.

Hardik became the second player after Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant to be suspended for over rate offenses this year. Like Pant, Hardik received a one-match suspension for his third over rate offense this year. The MI captain was also fined ₹30 lakh, while the MI players, including the Impact Player against LSG, were fined ₹12 Lakh or 50% of their match fees.

"As it was his team’s third offense of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offenses, Pandya was fined INR 30 lakhs and banned from playing the team’s next match. The rest of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, were each individually fined either INR 12 lakhs or 50 percent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser," BCCI said.

Pandya and MI's Forgettable Season

Pandya had a tough season as captain and player for MI this year. He scored only 218 runs at an average of 18 in 14 matches. Although he took 11 wickets, his economy rate of 10.75 was a major concern. As a leader, he couldn't inspire as the five-time champions ended the season with only four wins in 14 matches, finishing last.

Pandya was brought back into the MI setup with much excitement, but the team won only four out of 14 games under his leadership. "It was quite difficult. We did not play good quality cricket, which eventually cost us the whole season," Pandya said after MI's 18-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants.

"It's a professional world. We have to always come out and put our best foot forward. But yes, as a group, we could not play quality cricket or smart cricket."