IND vs NZ 2023: Indian team fined for slow over-rate against New Zealand in the first ODI

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• Jan 20, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed a sanction after India were found to be three overs short of the target after...

Digital Desk: Team India won the first ODI against New Zealand by a close 12-run margin, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. However, Rohit Sharma and his team have suffered a big setback ahead of the next match in Raipur. India has been fined 60% of its match fee for failing to sustain a sufficient over-rate against New Zealand in the first ODI in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed a sanction after India was found to be three overs short of the target after taking time allowances into account. 

According to Article 2.22 of the International Cricket Council's Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players are fined 20% of their match fee for each over in which their team fails to bowl within the allocated time, which constitutes a minimum over-rate offense. This penalty acts as a reminder to players to follow the rules and preserve the game's integrity.

"The ICC Code of Conduct is part of the ICC’s continuing efforts to maintain the public image, popularity and integrity of cricket by providing: (a) an effective means to deter any participant from conducting themselves improperly on and off the ‘field-of-play’ or in a manner that is contrary to the ‘spirit of cricket’; and (b) a robust disciplinary procedure pursuant to which all matters of improper conduct can be dealt with fairly, with certainty and in an expeditious manner," states the Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the proposed punishment, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge against Sharma was brought by the on-field umpires, Anil Chaudhary and Nitin Menon, together with the third and fourth umpires K N Ananthapadmanabhan and Jayaraman Madanagopal, respectively.

India won by 12 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, owing to Shubman Gill's spectacular double century. Faced with a daunting goal of 350, New Zealand fought hard until the end but were eventually bowled out for 337 in 49.2 overs in an exciting, high-scoring contest.