The IPL has removed the rule that suspended captains after three over-rate offences in a season. Starting from IPL 2025, captains will no longer face suspensions for slow over-rates. Instead, they will receive fines and in-game field restrictions. However, any suspensions handed out before the 2025 season will still be enforced. This means Hardik Pandya will miss Mumbai Indians’ opening match against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 due to a previous suspension, but such scenarios won’t happen in future seasons.
To align the IPL code of conduct with the ICC’s, the IPL governing council has introduced a demerit points system. Under this system, any sanction imposed by the match referee will result in demerit points. For instance, a fine of 25% of the match fee will earn one demerit point. These points will apply to both players and team officials and remain on their records for 36 months. If enough points accumulate, the player or official may face suspension.
Players, team officials, or franchises can appeal against sanctions under Level 2 or 3 offences to the BCCI ombudsman. However, they must pay an appeal fee of INR 90 lakh (approximately USD 104,000), which is refundable only if the appeal is fully successful.
Sanctions imposed before IPL 2025 will not be converted into demerit points. This new system is expected to bring consistency between the IPL and ICC codes and ensure that penalties for over-rate offences are handled more effectively moving forward.
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