Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has been slapped with a fine of INR 12 Lakh for maintaining a slow overrate in a match against Punjab Kings on April 18.
Hardik failed to complete the 20 overs in the allotted time in their clash against PBKS on Thursday and hence has been handed a fine of INR 12 Lakh.
“Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians captain, has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on April 18,” BCCI statement said after the match.
As it was the first time for Mumbai to bowl beyond the allotted time, only INR 12 Lakh fine was imposed. If they repeat the offence then Hardik and other Mumbai Indians players will be in bigger trouble.
Speaking on the game, Mumbai Indians pulled out a last-over thrilling victory by dismissing the final player of the opponents in the first delivery of the over. With the victory, Mumbai climbs to 7th spot in the IPL 2024 points table.
Though Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans maintain the same win, with a high NRR, Delhi placed above Mumbai while Titans placed below them in the points table.
Apart from handing the fine from the board, fans also mistreated Hardik Pandya after he was named as the captain of the Mumbai Indians.
Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Mumbai Indians traded Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans and named him as the captain of the team for the 2024 season. Though Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya received massive criticism from the IPL and Rohit Sharma fans, the franchise stood strong in their decision.
But Hardik was repeatedly booed by the fans wherever he played. Even in his home venue, Wankhede Stadium, Hardik faced the same. But in Mumbai’s last clash which was played against RCB, fans once again criticised Hardik when he walked down to bat but Virat Kohli stepped in and asked fans not to treat him badly.
The request from the star batter abruptly changed the environment where the crowd suddenly started to chant “Hardik, Hardik”.
But the fans have not yet accepted the franchise move and still criticize the allrounder in his every move. Even Mumbai Indians coach Kieron Pollard came forward to clarify this issue and showed his support for Hardik Pandya.
Along with him, Kevin Pietersen also showed his support for the all-rounder and said he is an Indian player and he doesn’t want to be treated like this.
Mumbai Indians will play their next game of the season against Rajasthan Royals on April 22 in Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
