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Shreyas-Iyer-and-Hardik-Pandya. (Photo source: X/IPL)

Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer were fined for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings' slow over rates respectively, in the  of the IPL 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 1. While Hardik and MI suffered their third such instance of the season, Iyer and Co. suffered their second, leading to varied penalties after their match.

By default, the match started late after the toss due to the rain interruption. A margin of additional couple of hours to start the play without losing any overs came into the equation, which allowed all 40 overs of the match to be played. Both teams found it hard to maintain over rates.

While Iyer was fined INR 24 lakh, the rest of the PBKS members were handed either a fine of 25 percent of the match fees or INR 6 lakh, whichever is lesser. Likewise, Hardik suffered a fine of INR 30 lakh, while the rest of the MI members were handed either a fine of 50 percent of the match fees or INR 12 lakh, whichever is lesser.

How is Hardik Pandya free of a match suspension from IPL 2026?

Unlike the previous edition, Pandya will not suffer a suspension in the IPL 2026. Following multiple instances of slow over rates in MI's campaign in the IPL 2024, Hardik was handed a one-match suspension in the team's last match.

As a result, MI played their first match of the 18th edition of the league against CSK without their skipper. However, due to an amendment, that rule is no longer in existence, and Pandya is free to play MI's first match of the IPL 2026.

However, Hardik has suffered two demerit points, which is in line with the ICC Code of Conduct. The new amended rule oversees the record of a player, a referee, or other official for a period of 36 months, following which actions could be taken.

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