India and the West Indies have both been penalised for slow over rates during the third ODI in New Chandigarh, with India receiving the heavier fine after falling further behind the required pace.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) fined India’s players 20 per cent of their match fees, while the West Indies players were fined 10 per cent. India were four overs behind the required rate at the end of the match, whereas the West Indies were two overs short.
The breaches were reported by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sam Nogajski, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Virendra Sharma. Match referee Prakash Bhatt later confirmed the penalties.
Both captains, Shubman Gill and Shai Hope, accepted the charges on behalf of their respective teams. Their admissions meant that no formal hearing was required.
Over-rate regulations are designed to ensure that international matches are completed within the prescribed playing time. Teams are expected to maintain a specified pace throughout an innings, although allowances can be made for factors such as injuries, interruptions and other circumstances recognised under the playing conditions. When a side falls behind without sufficient justification, penalties can be imposed.
The disciplinary action followed an eventful conclusion to the ODI series. India, batting first in the third match, posted a formidable target of 352 runs. Despite the imposing total, the West Indies produced a determined chase and secured a five-wicket victory.
The defeat ended India’s winning run in the series, but it did not alter the overall outcome. India had already won the opening two ODIs, giving them an unassailable lead before the final match. The result therefore allowed the West Indies to finish the series on a positive note, although India retained the series.
For India, the slow over rate added an unwanted element to an otherwise successful series campaign. Their four-over deficit also resulted in a fine twice as large as that imposed on the West Indies.
The Caribbean side, meanwhile, could take encouragement from their performance in the final ODI. Chasing 352 against India was a demanding task, and completing the chase with five wickets in hand gave the visitors a strong finish to the series.
With both teams accepting responsibility for their slow over rates, the matter was settled without the need for further disciplinary proceedings. The focus can now return to performances on the field, although the fines serve as a reminder that maintaining the required over rate remains an important part of international cricket.