This Is Why Virat Kohli Won't Be Banned For Second ODI Against New Zealand Despite Two Over-Rate Offences

Slow over-rate has been a big problem for India on the ongoing tour of New Zealand. In the last three matches (last two T20Is, first ODI), the Virat Kohli-led side was found guilty of not completing the overs in the stipulated amount of time.

The Men in Blue were docked 40 per cent of their match fee after falling short of target by two overs in the fourth T20I before being fined 20 per cent of their match fee for the same offence in the fifth T20I. The visitors could not get rid of the issue in the first ODI either.

Match referee Chris Broad imposed the sanction after Virat Kohli’s side was ruled to be four overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration in the Hamilton ODI. The players were fined 80 per cent of the match fees for the offence.

No more ban:

Had India been found guilty of slow over-rate offence thrice on a tour before August 1, 2019, Virat Kohli would have been banned for a game. Under the old ICC regulations, two instances of slow over-rate in one year would lead to a suspension on the side’s captain.

Thus Virat Kohli, who was rested for the fifth T20I, would have been banned for the second ODI against New Zealand had the old rules still been in practise. But the India skipper is now safe to play the crucial do-or-die game thanks to the new rule which is in place right from the start of ICC World Test Championship.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are now fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

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