Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya banned for IPL 2025 season opener

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has banned Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya from playing the first match of the IPL 2025 season due to a slow over rate in their last match against the Lucknow Super Giants.

This is Hardik's third offense regarding over rates this season, which led to the suspension and a fine of 30 lakh. Other MI players, including the Impact Player in the match, were also fined ₹12 lakh or 50% of their match fees.

The BCCI announced the penalties late on Friday night, underscoring their strict stance on maintaining the pace of the game. Hardik's repeated infractions have resulted in significant repercussions for both him and his team. With this suspension, MI will need to find a new captain for their opening game in the next season if Hardik continues as their full-time captain.

This incident is not isolated, as earlier in the season, Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant faced a similar ban for over rate offenses. The BCCI's consistent enforcement of these rules highlights the importance they place on adhering to match regulations to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament.