IPL 2021: Here's why CSK skipper MS Dhoni can face a one-match ban

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni is at risk of getting banned from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for one match. When the former Indian captain comes out on the field to play against Punjab Kings in the league match at Wankhede Stadium on Friday, he will have to make sure that he doesn’t suffer another slow over-rate penalty. 

MS Dhoni recently came back in action for the first time since the end of the IPL 2020. That was six months ago, and the retired international cricketer has not taken part in any professional cricket since then. His return was not ideal as Chennai lost their first match and Dhoni got a two-ball duck. On top of that, he was fined for a slow over-rate as well. 

He paid a heavy penalty of INR 12 lakh due to the slow over-rate in the match against Delhi. For the IPL 2021 season, BCCI has taken strict measures to ensure that all the eight teams and match officials finish an innings of the matches within 1 hour and 30 mins. If any team crosses the maximum limit, then the captain will be slammed with an INR 12 Lakh penalty which happened with Dhoni. 

What does the rule state and what could be MS Dhoni’s fate?

Now, according to the rule, if the captain repeats the offense once again in their next match, then as a two-timer offender, actions will be taken by the IPL authorities. The match referee will have to take a decision in that scenario and the captain will face a hefty fine of INR 24 lakh.

Also, if the slow over-rate offence is repeated for the third time, then MS Dhoni will be banned for one match and also face a fine of Rs 30 lakh. Moreover, even the rest of the team will face a fine of Rs 12 lakh or 50% match fee (whichever is lesser).

The maximum limit to complete 20 overs in the IPL matches is calculated by the match referee and it excludes time taken to get some things done. The calculation is done to ensure that any captain is not fined incorrectly and the rules in Clause 12.7.3 state the following time should not be taken into consideration:

1. The time lost as a result of treatment given to a player by authorized medical personnel on the field of play.
2. Time lost as a result of a player being required to leave the field as a result of a serious injury.
3. The time taken for all third umpire referrals, consultations, and any umpire or player reviews.
4. Time lost as a result of time-wasting by the batting side.
5. The time lost due to all other circumstances that are beyond the control of the fielding side.

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