Rishabh Pant Fined for Slow Over-Rate | IPL 2025 Code of Conduct Breach

Rishabh Pant Fined for Slow Over-Rate as LSG Breaches IPL Code Again

In a fresh development from Match 70 of IPL 2025, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have landed in hot water due to a repeat offense under the IPL’s Code of Conduct concerning minimum over-rate regulations. Following their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant has been fined INR 30 Lakh, marking his third such offense of the season.

The disciplinary action is a part of the league’s ongoing effort to maintain game flow and time discipline across all fixtures. With the playoff stage on the horizon, this breach highlights both the intensity of the season and the increasing scrutiny teams face from the governing body.

Third Over-Rate Violation Adds Pressure to LSG Campaign

For Pant and his LSG unit, this penalty comes at a crucial juncture. The IPL’s minimum over-rate rule is designed to keep matches within scheduled broadcast timeframes and to ensure that teams uphold the pace expected of a global sporting product. This being LSG’s third slow over-rate offence in the 2025 season significantly raised the stakes, triggering harsher penalties.

According to IPL protocols, first-time offenders generally receive a lighter financial penalty. But repeated infractions escalate quickly. With Pant now penalized with a personal fine of INR 30 Lakh, the seriousness of the breach cannot be understated. The rest of the playing XI, including the Impact Player, were each docked either INR 12 Lakh or 50% of their match fees, depending on whichever amount was lower.

This outcome not only impacts the team financially but also raises concerns around leadership control and game management—critical aspects as the tournament enters its most decisive phase.

The Strategic Cost of a Slow Over-Rate

The implications of a slow over-rate go beyond fines. Captains risk suspension for repeated violations, and that can significantly hurt a team’s balance in crucial fixtures. For Rishabh Pant, who has been LSG’s dynamic leader throughout the season, a potential fourth offence could lead to a match ban something no franchise wants with the playoffs looming.

Additionally, from a tactical point of view, time pressure often forces bowlers and captains into rushed decisions, disrupting field placements, composure, and even bowling plans. Analysts have long observed that teams failing to maintain over-rate tend to underperform in the death overs, partly due to panic and time constraints.

In a tournament as tightly contested as the IPL, these details can influence outcomes sometimes more than runs or wickets.

BCCI and IPL’s Stance on Time Discipline

The IPL and its governing body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), have taken an increasingly strict stance on slow over-rates in recent years. With global audiences tuning in from multiple time zones, maintaining the scheduled pace of play has become paramount. The league’s partnership with global broadcasters further amplifies the need for punctual match completions.

The penalty structure for over-rate offenses includes escalating fines for players and team officials, and in extreme cases, suspensions. These regulations are not new, but the increase in enforcement over the last few seasons reflects the league’s resolve to uphold professional standards.

While the IPL is known for its entertainment value and player-centric brand of cricket, the underlying operational discipline is non-negotiable and LSG’s third infraction only strengthens this narrative.

Pant’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

Despite being one of India’s most exciting cricketing talents, Rishabh Pant’s captaincy now faces fresh questions. Known for his flair and aggressive gameplay, Pant’s ability to manage the tempo of a match as a leader is being debated. While no one doubts his cricketing intelligence or commitment, leadership in the IPL also demands tactical poise, clock awareness, and regulatory compliance.

This incident could become a defining moment in Pant’s 2025 campaign. Whether he tightens the team’s execution in upcoming matches could influence not only LSG’s fortunes this season but also his long-term prospects as a franchise leader.

The Road Ahead for Lucknow Super Giants

Heading into the business end of the IPL 2025, LSG will now have to recalibrate their in-game planning, especially in field changes and bowling transitions. Coaching staff and analysts will likely conduct time audits and introduce contingency systems to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

For a team that has shown immense promise this year, a lack of focus on operational details could become a vulnerability. The fine and reprimand serve as a wake-up call discipline needs to match talent.

While their on-field performances have been impressive, off-field precision and compliance will now be just as important in their pursuit of IPL glory.