IPL 2024: Ponting, Ganguly Upset On-Field Confusion Over Rule

Play was halted in the intense match between the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 Indian Premier League because of an unexpected development. The event brought to light misunderstanding over the use of foreign players as stand-in fielders and infuriated both team mentors.

When RR chose to field Rovman Powell as a replacement fielder, DC head coach Ricky Ponting and director of cricket Sourav Ganguly were observed conversing with the fourth umpire. Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, and Shimron Hetmyer were the three foreign players for RR when they began the game. Hetmyer was replaced as the impact player by Nandre Burger.

A characterization of the rules of IPL:

RULE 1.2.5 - Each team may only have a minimum of 4 Overseas players (As conceptualized in the IPL Eligibility Regulations) on its starting eleven for any game.

RULE 1.2.6 - During a match, A side is only allowed to have four overseas players on the field at once. Therefore, if the club selects up to four overseas players for the starting lineup, an overseas player may only enter the field as a substitute fielder if the player he is replacing is also overseas. Overseas players are only permitted to enter the field of play as substitute fielders if the club names fewer than four overseas players in its starting lineup, provided that doing so does not increase the number of overseas players representing that team on the field to more than four.

Due to a disagreement between the two dugouts, there was a delay in the game caused by this ambiguity. Two IPL veterans, Delhi Capitals advisor Sourav Ganguly and Rajasthan Royals mentor Ricky Ponting, were apparently incensed by the miscommunication.

Fortunately, the match referee and the technical staff were consulted before the problem was finally fixed. While there were no more technical difficulties in the game, the episode was a sobering reminder of how crucial it is to have well-defined and articulated rules in a competition with as much pressure as the Indian Premier League.

Riyan Parag thoroughly dominated the suit with his 45-ball 84 not out batting innings as Rajasthan Royals defeated Delhi Capitals by 12 runs.

Sent in to bat. Parag hit seven fours and six sixes route to his career’s best IPL score which eventually helped the Rallyers recover from their shaky state of 36 for 3 in the eighth over to achieve a considerable total of 185 for 5.

In reply, Warner had 49 from 34 but DC crumbled under pressure as the bowlers performed splendidly and produced a fine bowling performance.

As for the batting of the captain, Tristan Stubbs (44 not out) was too late and too embedded to make a difference.

Nandre Burger grabbed (2/29) while Yuzvendra Chahal clinched (2/19). Moreover, Chetan Sharma (1/29) also achieved success.