Hardik Pandya Penalized for IPL Code of Conduct Violation

Hardik Pandya Faces Fine for Conduct Breach

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has been penalized 10% of his match fee and has received one Demerit Point for violating Level 1 of the IPL's Code of Conduct during a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday.

The IPL announced the fine on Thursday, explaining that Pandya breached Article 2.2 of the Code, which addresses the 'abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during a Match.' This incident took place on the fourth ball of the 10th over of the second innings when Pandya forcefully knocked the bails off the wicket while returning to his run-up.

Pandya acknowledged the violation and accepted the penalty imposed by match referee Rajiv Seth.

This match marked Pandya's return to the MI lineup after missing three games due to injury. His last appearance was on May 2 against Chennai Super Kings.

KKR Triumphs Over MI, Maintains Playoff Aspirations

In the match itself, KKR chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Corbin Bosch delivered a stunning performance, scoring 32 runs off 18 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, helping MI reach a total of 147/8 in their 20 overs. Saurabh Dubey, Kartik Tyagi, and Cameron Green each took two wickets.

During the chase, Manish and Rovman Powell, who scored 40 runs off 30 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, led KKR to successfully chase the target in 18.5 overs, finishing with four wickets in hand.

This victory marks KKR's sixth win in their last seven matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive. With six wins, six losses, and one no result, KKR currently sits in sixth place on the points table, while MI is in ninth place with four wins and nine losses.