Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come up with the "Demerit Points System" for IPL 2025. The system’s objective is to focus on the threat of suspension rather than performing stern action of suspension itself. In a press release to the franchises, the BCCI stated, "The IPL believes that the threat of a suspension is the strongest deterrent to bring about a change in behaviour, hence the system of accumulated Demerit Points which is included in the Code of Conduct."
The new rule is similar to the features of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct but with slight changes, claims CricBuzz. It is important to note that the ICC carries forward points for five years while BCCI will take it ahead for three years. "The demerit points received by a player or team official under the regulations remain on their record for a period of thirty-six (36) months," remarked the BCCI. "Upon accumulation of Demerit Points, the Player or Team Official is awarded suspension(s). The details regarding the same are provided under Article 7.6 of the Regulations. An example of suspension through accumulation of Demerit Points is provided under Article 7.8 of the Regulations," added the board.
Article 7.6 reveals that the collection of four-seven demerit points will lead to a one-match suspension while 8-11 figures will result in a two-game suspension. 12-15 points will hand the imposition of a four-game suspension. Finally 16 points will lead to a five-game suspension. Article 7.8 explains the system for hoarding points over a period of three years and it also clarifies how the incremental system will work in case of multiple breaches within these 36 months.
The BCCI outlines how the demerits points will be applied under the new regulation
The BCCI has also come up with the explanation of how the demerit points will be imposed under the new guideline in IPL 2025. "Demerit Points will be imposed upon a Player or Team Official found to have committed an offence under the Code of Conduct. The number of Demerit Points imposed will be calculated by reference to the sanction imposed for the particular offences," said the BCCI.
The levels of the breach will determine the number of demerit points. For example, an offence of 25% of the match fee will carry one demerit point while the Level 2 offence attracts 3-4 demerit points. The Level 3 offence will lead to 5-6 demerit points, and the Level 4 breach results to 7-8 demerit points. The match referee or an ombudsman will decide the period of punishment.
