Delhi Capitals (DC)’ skipper Rishabh Pant has been handed a one-match suspension by the IPL governing body following a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during their recent encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR). The suspension means Pant will be absent from the crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday.

Slow over-rate offence leads to sanction

Pant’s suspension comes as a result of his team’s slow over-rate during Match 56 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Rajasthan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, held on May 7, 2024. The Capitals’ captain has also been fined INR 30 lakh for the infraction.

Third offence of the season

This isn’t the first time Pant has been penalized for a slow over-rate violation this season. Earlier, on April 4, he was fined INR 24 lakh for a similar offence during a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Before that, in another match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Pant and his team were fined INR 12 lakh for the same violation.

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Appeal rejected by BCCI ombudsman

Despite an appeal filed by the Capitals challenging the ruling of the Match Referee, the BCCI Ombudsman upheld the decision, stating it to be final and binding. Consequently, Pant’s suspension remains in effect, dealing a blow to Capitals’ ambitions in the ongoing IPL season.

Impact on Delhi Capitals

Pant’s absence for the crucial encounter against RCB adds pressure on the Capitals, who are currently placed fifth in the points table with 12 points from as many games. With playoffs aspirations at stake, the team will need to strategize and regroup quickly to compensate for the absence of their influential captain.

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