Hardik Pandya, who has rejoined the Mumbai Indians (MI) for IPL 2025, will not feature in the team’s opening match due to a one-game suspension. The decision stems from a slow over-rate offense in MI’s final game of IPL 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants, marking their third violation of the tournament rules.
BCCI’s slow over-rate penalties
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enforces strict penalties for slow over-rates:
- First offense: ₹12 lakh fine for the captain.
- Second offense: ₹24 lakh fine for the captain, with other players fined ₹6 lakh or 25% of their match fee.
- Third offense: ₹30 lakh fine for the captain and a one-match suspension, with other players fined ₹12 lakh or 50% of their match fee.
Since MI under Pandya committed their third slow over-rate offense in IPL 2024, the all-rounder faces a mandatory suspension for the first game of IPL 2025.
Hardik Pandya’s redemption arc
While Pandya faced criticism in IPL 2024 for his underwhelming performance and MI’s last-place finish, he bounced back remarkably in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory. Fans hope to see him regain his form in IPL 2025, albeit starting one game late.
Mumbai Indians’ retained players for IPL 2025
Despite Pandya’s suspension, MI boasts a strong squad, including:
- Jasprit Bumrah: ₹18 crore
- Hardik Pandya: ₹16.35 crore
- Suryakumar Yadav: ₹16.35 crore
- Rohit Sharma: ₹16.30 crore
- Tilak Varma: ₹8 crore
Mumbai Indians will aim to make a strong start to IPL 2025, even without their star captain in the first match. Fans eagerly await Pandya’s return in the second game to lead the five-time champions.