RCB vs DC: Rishabh Pant banned by BCCI ahead of T20 World 2024

Delhi Capitals (DC) have suffered a major blow ahead of their game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Their skipper Rishabh Pant has been handed a one-match ban by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 

Rishabh Pant has been penalized for the slow-over rate during the Delhi Capitals' game against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024. The keeper-batter has been handed a suspension for the one match. Apart from this, the southpaw also has been fined INR 30 Lakh for the offense. 

This was the third time Rishabh Pant was charged for the slow-over rate in the Indian Premier League. The keeper-batter first was fined INR 12 lakh after the game against Chennai Super Kings and then was slapped with INR 24 lakh for the same during the game against Kolkata Knight Riders 

Not only Rishabh Pant but all the players of the Delhi Capitals, who were part of the game against Rajasthan Royals, were fined by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The players were fined INR 12 Lac or 50 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser for the slow over rate. 

The ban didn't go well with Rishabh Pant as he then challenged the decision of the match referee. The Delhi Capitals skipper filed an official appeal which was then referred to the BCCI Ombudsman for review, who was convinced by the referee's decision and the sanctions against Pant. 

Rishabh Pant missing the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru will come as a massive blow for the Delhi Capitals, especially with qualification on the line. The franchise is 5th on the points table and needs two wins to make their case strong for the playoffs. 

Rishabh Pant has been the best batter for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024. The keeper-batter has scored 413 runs in the 12 games that he has played. With most of the DC batters struggling to get going with the bat, it will leave a massive void in the lineup.

IPL's official statement on Rishabh Pant 

Indian Premier League released an official statement on Rishabh Pant and revealed that the keeper-batter has been banned for exceeding the limits of slow over rate. The statement read: 

"Mr Rishabh Pant, Captain, Delhi Capitals has been fined has been fined and suspended for one match for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match 56 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on May 07, 2024. 

"As it was his team’s third offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Rishabh Pant was fined INR 30 Lac and suspended for one match. The rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, were each individually fined either INR 12 Lac or 50 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser. 

"As per Article 8 of the IPL Code of Conduct, the Delhi Capitals filed an appeal challenging the ruling of the Match Referee. Following this, the appeal was referred to the BCCI Ombudsman for review. The Ombudsman conducted a virtual hearing and affirmed that the decision of the Match Referee remains final and binding."