IPL 2025 isn't just about cricketing action—disciplinary heat is rising too. From March 30 to April 7, five players have been fined and one big name was sent home, setting the tone for an intense and closely monitored season. Here's a breakdown of how things unfolded in just nine dramatic days.
March 30 – Hardik Pandya Fined ₹12 Lakh
The season’s first penalty went to Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, who was slapped with a ₹12 lakh fine for maintaining a slow over rate. Ironically, this happened in his first match after returning from a one-match ban for the same offense.
March 31 – Riyan Parag Fined ₹12 Lakh
The very next day, Rajasthan Royals’ stand-in captain Riyan Parag was fined for the same violation during their match, in Sanju Samson's absence. Two matches in, two fines already.
April 2 & 5 – Double Trouble for Digvesh Rathi
Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi had a forgettable week.
- April 2: Fined for his "notebook celebration" after taking a wicket. Result? 25% match fee cut and 1 demerit point.
- April 5: Found guilty again in a match against Mumbai Indians. This time, 50% of his match fee was deducted and another demerit point added. He now has 2 points on his record—dangerously close to suspension territory.
April 3 – Rabada Returns Home
Kagiso Rabada, Gujarat Titans’ pace spearhead, suddenly flew back to South Africa due to personal reasons. The franchise has issued a statement, but his return date remains uncertain, sparking concern among fans.
April 5 – Rishabh Pant Also Penalized
In the same April 5 match, LSG captain Rishabh Pant joined the slow-over-rate club and was fined ₹12 lakh. First offense for his team this season, but with more infractions, penalties could escalate quickly.
April 7 – Ishant Sharma Fined
Delhi Capitals pacer Ishant Sharma became the fifth fined player after being found guilty of a Level 1 offense. As punishment, 25% of his match fee was deducted.
Summary of Fines & Returns:
| Date | Player | Team | Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30 | Hardik Pandya | Mumbai Indians | Slow Over Rate | ₹12 lakh |
| Mar 31 | Riyan Parag | Rajasthan Royals | Slow Over Rate | ₹12 lakh |
| Apr 2 | Digvesh Rathi | Lucknow Super Giants | Over-the-top celebration (Level 1) | 25% match fee + 1 demerit point |
| Apr 3 | Kagiso Rabada | Gujarat Titans | Returned Home (Personal reasons) | — |
| Apr 5 | Digvesh Rathi | Lucknow Super Giants | Code of Conduct violation (repeat) | 50% match fee + 1 demerit point |
| Apr 5 | Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | Slow Over Rate | ₹12 lakh |
| Apr 7 | Ishant Sharma | Delhi Capitals | Level 1 Offense | 25% match fee |
With fines raining down and tempers flaring, IPL 2025 is proving that performance isn’t the only thing under scrutiny. Discipline is just as crucial—slip up, and the price is steep.
