India and the West Indies have both been fined for maintaining slow over rates during the third and final one-day international of their series in New Chandigarh, with India receiving the heavier penalty for falling further behind the required rate.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a fine of 20 per cent of match fees on the Indian players, while the West Indies players were fined 10 per cent. India finished four overs behind the required rate, compared with two overs for the Caribbean side.
The slow-over-rate breaches were reported by the on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sam Nogajski, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Virendra Sharma. Match referee Prakash Bhatt subsequently confirmed the penalties.
Both captains, Shubman Gill of India and Shai Hope of the West Indies, accepted the charges on behalf of their respective teams. As the breaches were admitted, there was no need for a formal hearing.
Slow over rates are treated as a disciplinary matter in international cricket because teams are required to complete their allotted overs within the stipulated playing time. Delays can affect the flow of a match and, depending on the circumstances and the extent of the breach, may lead to financial penalties or other sanctions under the ICC’s playing regulations.
The disciplinary action came after an entertaining conclusion to the three-match ODI series. India, despite posting a formidable target of 352, suffered a five-wicket defeat in the final match. The West Indies produced a strong run chase to complete a notable victory against the hosts.
The result, however, did not prevent India from claiming the series. They had won the opening two matches and secured an unassailable lead before the final ODI. The defeat therefore ended India’s campaign on a disappointing note, but their overall series success remained intact.
For the West Indies, the final-match victory provided a positive finish to the series. Chasing 352 successfully against India also underlined the team’s ability to handle a demanding target under pressure.
The fines mean that both sides leave the series with a disciplinary setback alongside their performances on the field. India face the larger financial penalty because their over rate fell further below the required mark, while the West Indies were punished at half that rate after being two overs behind schedule.
