Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has been penalized for maintaining a slow over rate during Match 9 of the IPL 2024 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
As this was Mumbai Indians’ first slow over-rate violation of the season under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, Pandya has been fined ₹12 lakh. In the match, Mumbai Indians fell short by 36 runs while chasing a 197-run target set by Gujarat Titans.
Hardik Pandya Fined ₹12 Lakh
Mumbai Indians captain and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been fined ₹12 lakh for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the team’s 36-run loss to Gujarat Titans on Saturday, March 29. The penalty was imposed due to a slow over-rate, marking Mumbai Indians’ first such offence of the season.
Gujarat Titans set a challenging total of 196 runs on a black soil pitch in Ahmedabad, while Mumbai Indians struggled in the chase, eventually falling short by 36 runs. This defeat also marked MI’s second consecutive loss in the tournament.
The IPL issued an official statement confirming the fine, stating:
“Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match No. 9 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.”
“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Pandya was fined INR 12 lakh.”
Interestingly, Hardik returned to the playing XI for this match after serving a one-game ban for a slow over-rate last season. However, ahead of IPL 2025, the league scrapped the rule that previously banned captains for repeated slow over-rate violations.
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Hardik’s Eventful Return to Ahmedabad
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya had an action-packed return to Ahmedabad, a place where he once played for Gujarat Titans. His comeback was filled with emotions, on-field drama, and an intense moment with GT’s Sai Kishore.
During the second innings, tensions flared between Pandya and Kishore, leading to a fierce staredown. Both players stood their ground, refusing to back down, and the situation could have escalated further. However, the umpires quickly stepped in to calm things down, ensuring the match continued without any major confrontation.
Despite the heated moment on the field, things were much lighter after the game. Hardik and Kishore were seen laughing together, proving that the incident was just part of the competitive spirit. Speaking to the broadcaster, Sai Kishore clarified that there were no hard feelings.
“He’s a good friend of mine. Inside the field, it should be competitive, but we don’t take things personally,” said Kishore.
With this match behind them, Mumbai Indians will now turn their attention to their next challenge against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 31 in Mumbai.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why was Hardik Pandya fined ₹12 lakh in IPL 2025?
Ans. Hardik Pandya was fined ₹12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during Mumbai Indians’ match against Gujarat Titans, as per the IPL Code of Conduct.
Q.2. What was the result of the MI vs GT match in IPL 2025?
Ans. Mumbai Indians lost to Gujarat Titans by 36 runs while chasing a target of 197 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Q.3. What happened between Hardik Pandya and Sai Kishore during the match?
Ans. Hardik Pandya and Sai Kishore had a heated staredown during the second innings, but the umpires intervened, and both players later laughed it off.
Q.4. Why was Hardik Pandya banned last season?
Ans. Hardik Pandya served a one-game ban last season due to repeated slow over-rate offences, but IPL 2025 has removed the rule that bans captains for such violations.
Q.5. When is Mumbai Indians’ next match in IPL 2025?
Ans. Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders on March 31 in Mumbai.
