Hardik Pandya fined Rs 24 lakh, Rohit Sharma and Mumbai Indians players penalised for IPL code of conduct violation
PTC News Desk: Hardik Pandya, the captain of Mumbai Indians, found himself in hot water yet again as he and his team members were penalised for a slow over rate during their recent match against Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This latest setback comes on the heels of Mumbai Indians' seventh defeat in the tournament.
Following the match, the IPL authorities swiftly took action, imposing fines on Pandya and his teammates for the slow over rate offense. As this was the second such offense for Mumbai Indians this season, Pandya was hit with a hefty INR 24 lakh fine, while each member of the playing XI incurred a penalty of INR 6 lakh.
An official statement from the IPL explained the sanctions, stating, “Mr. Hardik Pandya, Captain, Mumbai Indians has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match 48 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on April 30, 2024.”
Furthermore, it was clarified that the rest of the playing XI, including the Impact Player, faced fines either amounting to Rs 6 lakh or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, depending on which was lesser.
The woes for Mumbai Indians didn't end with the penalty. In the match against Lucknow Super Giants, they were once again on the receiving end of disappointment, managing only 144/7 after being put in to bat. Both Pandya and Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma struggled, with Pandya departing for a first-ball duck and Sharma scoring just 4 runs off five deliveries.
This season has been particularly challenging for Mumbai Indians, marked by a series of off-field controversies and on-field struggles. Pandya, in particular, has faced criticism for his lackluster performances with both bat and ball. Despite playing 10 matches, he has only managed to secure six wickets, with an economy rate soaring to 11, exacerbating Mumbai Indians' difficulties.
With the bat, Pandya has also failed to deliver impactful performances, failing to notch up a half-century so far in the season. In 10 innings, he has accumulated 197 runs at a strike rate of 150.38, a far cry from his usual explosive form.
Playoff hopes dimming for Mumbai Indians
The prospects of Mumbai Indians securing a playoff spot in the IPL 2024 are rapidly fading as they languish at the ninth position in the standings with just six points. Despite being only four points behind fourth-placed CSK, Mumbai faces an uphill battle, especially considering CSK has a game in hand.
Compounding their challenge is the fact that Mumbai Indians' remaining four matches are against formidable opponents vying for top-four positions. These include clashes with Kolkata Knight Riders (twice), Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants.
- With inputs from agencies
