BCCI introduces demerit points system for IPL misconduct

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has launched a demerit points system in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to address player misconduct and promote fair play. This new system will monitor repeated offenses and impose penalties only when a specific threshold is reached, rather than applying immediate suspensions. Under the new rules, demerit points will remain active for three years. The system categorizes offenses into different seriousness levels. For example, minor offenses like excessive appealing earn 1 point, while serious offenses like ball tampering can result in 5 to 8 points. Once players accumulate enough points, they can face match suspensions ranging from one to five games. Some key changes include the removal of automatic suspensions for captains who manage slow over-rates. Instead, they may face fines and fielding restrictions. Players can appeal against suspensions, but this will require a fee of Rs 90 lakh, which will be refunded if the appeal is successful. The new points system simplifies penalties, replacing older rules that could have resulted in longer records of violations. An example is Hardik Pandya, who received a one-match suspension last season for a slow over-rate. Under the new system, while he must still serve his suspension, it will not affect his demerit points total. The BCCI aims for this new approach to improve discipline and ensure a more competitive environment in the league.