Rishabh Pant Fined 24 Lakh by BCCI for Code of Conduct Breach Against Mumbai Indians

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of thrilling performances, nail-biting finishes, and, unfortunately for some, disciplinary actions. One such incident has made headlines, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposing a hefty fine of Rs 24 lakh on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant for breaching the IPL’s Code of Conduct during a match against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on April 27, 2025. This article delves into the details of the incident, its consequences, Pant’s performance in the ongoing season, and the broader context of disciplinary measures in the IPL.

The breach occurred during Match 45 of the IPL 2025 season, where LSG faced a 54-run defeat against a dominant Mumbai Indians side. The BCCI found LSG guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate, a violation under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which mandates that teams complete their allotted 20 overs within a stipulated time frame, typically 90 minutes (85 minutes of playing time plus 5 minutes for timeouts). This was LSG’s second offense of the season for the same issue, leading to a significant penalty for Pant, the team’s captain, and a lesser fine for the rest of the playing XI, including the impact player, David Miller.

According to the BCCI’s official release, “As this was his team’s second offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Pant was fined INR 24 lakhs.” The remaining members of the LSG squad were fined either Rs 6 lakh or 25% of their respective match fees, whichever was lesser. This collective punishment underscores the BCCI’s strict stance on ensuring timely completion of matches, a critical aspect of maintaining the fast-paced, viewer-friendly nature of T20 cricket.

The slow over-rate issue is not new in the IPL, with multiple captains facing fines in previous seasons for similar breaches. In Pant’s case, this was not his first brush with the rule. Earlier in the season, on April 4, 2025, he was fined Rs 12 lakh for a slow over-rate during LSG’s match against Mumbai Indians at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The recurrence of the offense within the same season escalated the penalty, reflecting the BCCI’s progressive disciplinary approach, where repeated violations attract heavier fines and, in some cases, demerit points or suspensions.

The match in question saw Mumbai Indians post a formidable total of 215 for 7, powered by half-centuries from Suryakumar Yadav and Ryan Rickelton, complemented by a four-wicket haul from Jasprit Bumrah, who also surpassed Lasith Malinga’s record to become MI’s highest wicket-taker with 174 wickets. LSG, chasing 216, struggled to keep up, collapsing to 161 all out, with Pant himself scoring just 4 runs off 2 balls. The defeat was a significant setback for LSG, who were already grappling with inconsistent performances in the season.

Pant’s brief stint at the crease was emblematic of his struggles in IPL 2025. Despite his reputation as an explosive wicketkeeper-batter, he has managed only 110 runs in 10 matches, with a solitary half-century against Chennai Super Kings at Ekana Stadium. His lackluster form, combined with the team’s defeat and the subsequent fine, made April 27 a particularly challenging day for the LSG captain.

Rishabh Pant’s move to LSG for the 2025 season was one of the most talked-about developments in the IPL auction. Acquired for a staggering Rs 27 crore, Pant was expected to bring his dynamic leadership and aggressive batting to the franchise, replacing KL Rahul as captain. LSG’s squad, bolstered by players like Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, Ayush Badoni, and bowlers Mayank Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, was seen as a strong contender. However, the team’s performance has been inconsistent, with five wins in ten outings, placing them sixth in the points table as of April 27, 2025.

Pant’s leadership has been under scrutiny, particularly after the slow over-rate fines. The role of a captain in T20 cricket extends beyond on-field tactics to managing the game’s pace, ensuring bowlers and fielders operate efficiently to avoid penalties. Slow over-rates often stem from prolonged discussions, frequent field changes, or delays in bowling changes, all of which fall under the captain’s purview. Pant’s failure to address this issue after the first offense suggests a need for better time management and strategic planning within the LSG setup.

Pant is not the only player to face the BCCI’s disciplinary measures in IPL 2025. The season has seen several players and captains penalized for various breaches of the Code of Conduct. For instance, LSG’s young spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi was fined 50% of his match fees for a Level 1 offense under Article 2.5, involving his controversial “notebook celebration” after dismissing Mumbai Indians’ Naman Dhir. This was Rathi’s second such offense, having previously been fined for the same celebration against Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya, accumulating demerit points that put him at risk of a one-match suspension.

Other notable fines include Gujarat Titans’ Ishant Sharma, who was docked 25% of his match fees for breaching Article 2.2 during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals’ captain Sanju Samson, who was fined Rs 24 lakh for a slow over-rate against Gujarat Titans. These incidents highlight the BCCI’s commitment to enforcing discipline, ensuring that players and teams adhere to the rules that maintain the integrity and pace of the IPL.

Interestingly, the IPL introduced a rule change in 2025 to eliminate match bans for captains due to slow over-rate accumulations, replacing them with demerit points that remain valid for three years. This change aims to balance strict enforcement with fairness, allowing captains like Pant to avoid suspensions but face escalating financial penalties for repeated offenses.

The Rs 24 lakh fine is a significant financial hit for Pant, especially considering his earlier Rs 12 lakh penalty. While the fine itself may not dent his earnings from the Rs 27 crore contract, it adds pressure to his leadership credentials and raises questions about his ability to manage the team’s on-field operations effectively. With LSG struggling to secure a playoff spot, Pant’s focus will need to shift toward improving both his personal form and the team’s overall performance.

The fine also serves as a reminder of the challenges captains face in the high-pressure environment of the IPL. Balancing aggressive tactics, player management, and adherence to time constraints is no easy task, especially for a relatively young captain like Pant, who is still carving out his leadership legacy. His predecessor at LSG, KL Rahul, led the team with a more measured approach, but Pant’s aggressive style was expected to bring a new dynamic to the franchise. The slow over-rate issues, however, suggest that this transition has not been seamless.

The BCCI’s strict enforcement of the over-rate rule reflects the broader goal of maintaining the IPL’s reputation as a fast-paced, entertainment-driven tournament. Slow over-rates can disrupt broadcast schedules, affect fan engagement, and create an uneven playing field, especially in tight matches where fielding restrictions (like having an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle) come into play due to delays. By imposing hefty fines, the BCCI aims to deter teams from taking undue time, ensuring that the game remains dynamic and engaging for viewers worldwide.

Moreover, the fines contribute to the IPL’s disciplinary framework, which is designed to uphold professionalism and sportsmanship. While slow over-rates are a common issue across T20 leagues, the IPL’s high visibility and commercial stakes make adherence to these rules particularly critical. The BCCI’s consistent penalties send a clear message: no player or team is above the regulations, regardless of their stature or performance.

For Rishabh Pant, the fine is a setback but also an opportunity to learn and adapt. With LSG’s next match against Punjab Kings scheduled for May 4, 2025, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Pant has a chance to regroup and lead his team to a crucial victory. Improving his batting form will be equally important, as his contributions with the bat could inspire the team and bolster their playoff chances.

Mentor Zaheer Khan remains optimistic about LSG’s prospects, particularly praising young pacer Mayank Yadav’s potential to improve his bowling speed with more match experience. Pant will need to leverage such talents within the squad, alongside experienced players like Pooran and Miller, to turn LSG’s fortunes around. Avoiding further disciplinary issues will also be critical, as another slow over-rate offense could lead to additional demerit points and financial penalties.

Rishabh Pant’s Rs 24 lakh fine for breaching the IPL’s Code of Conduct is a significant moment in the 2025 season, highlighting the BCCI’s commitment to maintaining discipline and the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket. While Pant’s leadership and batting form have faced challenges, his talent and resilience make him a key figure to watch as LSG aims to climb the points table. The incident serves as a reminder of the pressures of captaincy in the IPL, where strategic acumen, time management, and adherence to rules are all critical for success. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how Pant responds to this setback, both on and off the field.