Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has received a fine for his team’s slow over-rate during their final IPL 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants.
This marks the third occasion this season that Mumbai Indians have been penalized for the same infraction, leading to a one-match suspension for Hardik, a consequence similar to that earlier imposed on Rishabh Pant.
Since the match was Mumbai Indians’ last for the season and they are not advancing in the tournament, Hardik’s suspension will be deferred to the opening game of IPL 2025.
This ban will apply regardless of which team Hardik represents in the IPL 2025, following the mega auction. The rest of the Mumbai Indians squad has also been fined 12 lakh rupees or 50% of their match fee, whichever is lower.
This season has been particularly challenging for Hardik in his debut role as captain of Mumbai Indians after his return to the franchise.
He managed an average of only 18 runs per match, and under his leadership, the five-time IPL champions concluded the season in last place, notably failing to achieve a double-digit score in the points tally.