India Accept The ICC Sanction After Over-Rate Violation

The India national cricket team has been penalized by International Cricket Council (ICC) with a fine amounting to 10 percent of their match fee — the result of being adjudged guilty of bowling a “slow over-rate” in the second ODI against South Africa national cricket team held in Raipur. Despite allowances for time lost, India fell short by two overs. The fine was levied by Richie Richardson from the Elite Panel of Match Referees. 

Under the ICC’s regulations — specifically ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, Article 2.22 — a team is typically penalized 5 percent of the match fee for each over they fall short of within the stipulated time. As India missed by two overs, this translated into the 10 percent fine. 

Context: match result and series outcome

The over-rate violation occurred in the second ODI of the series. That match ended in defeat for India, as South Africa won and thus levelled the three-match series at 1–1. Although India had secured victory in the first ODI at Visakhapatnam, the slow over-rate in the second game marred their campaign. 

The combination of defeat in the match and the sanction for slow bowling added to the woes of the Indian side on that day.

Admission of offence and resolution

During post-match proceedings, KL Rahul — who captained India in that game — accepted responsibility for the slow over-rate offence. He pleaded guilty to the charge and agreed to the proposed penalty, thereby bypassing the need for a full formal hearing. 

On-field officials — namely umpires Rod Tucker and Rohan Pandit, third umpire Sam Nogajski, and fourth umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal — had all signed off on the over-rate breach. 

Rahul’s acceptance of the offence and sanction meant that the matter didn’t escalate further, and no disciplinary hearing was necessary. This swift resolution reflects a willingness to take accountability and avoid prolonged disputes or additional penalties.