IPL 2021: Chennai Super Kings Skipper MS Dhoni may get banned after tonight’s game

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Punjab Kings, in their second match of this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Captain MS Dhoni who was fined Rs 12 lakh for a slow-over rate during CSK’s season opener against Delhi Capitals needs to exercise caution in order to avoid getting banned for two or four IPL games.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strictly instructed to all the eight franchises and match officials that the maximum limit for bowling 20 overs in an innings is going to be 1 hour and 30 minutes.

As per the IPL Code of Conduct, the penalty for the first over-rate offense is Rs 12 lakh fine but if the captain repeats this offense within the next two games, he becomes a repeat offender.

For the two-time ‘minimum over rates’ offender, the penalty is a two to four-game ban with the decision resting with the match referee.

Since another offense in tonight’s game may result in Dhoni getting banned from at least two games in IPL 2021, the skipper will now have to keep a bird’s eye view on the bowlers so that they do not exceed the time limit.

The IPL Playing Conditions state that the officials will calculate the over-rate at the end of each innings. However, the following allowances will be taken into consideration as well according to Clause 12.7.3:

1. The time lost as a result of treatment given to a player by authorized medical personnel on the field of play.

2. The 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. The 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.