Table of Contents
- Sunil Narine makes history with cricket’s first red card for slow over-rate in CPL 2023.
- CPL introduces innovative red-card rule to combat slow-over rate issues.
- Kieron Pollard questions the severity of the over-rate penalty, sparking a debate in the cricketing world.
In a groundbreaking moment in cricket, Sunil Narine, the West Indies spinner, etched his name into the record books by becoming the first player to receive a red card for his team’s slow over rate during a high-stakes match between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The persistent issue of slow-over rates has disrupted the flow of cricket matches, frequently causing them to exceed their stipulated time limits. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented fines and points deductions across all three formats of the game, including the World Test Championship.
In response to this challenge, CPL organizers introduced an innovative solution for the current season: the red-card rule. Under this rule, the fielding side faces the prospect of a red card if they are found to be lagging behind schedule at the commencement of the final over of an inning. This penalty carries significant consequences, as it necessitates the removal of a player, a decision made by the captain, and compels the fielding team to position six fielders within the inner circle.
During the match in question, since Sunil Narine had already bowled his full quota of four overs, his captain had no choice but to send him off the field as the Knight Riders entered the final over with only 10 players. However, despite the numerical disadvantage, the Knight Riders emerged victorious, clinching the game by six wickets, with Nicholas Pooran’s exceptional performance of 61 runs off 32 balls playing a pivotal role in securing their first victory in three games.
Reflecting on the incident, the Knight Riders’ skipper, Kieron Pollard, expressed his discontent with the over-rate penalty. He emphasized the hard work put in by the players and questioned the severity of the punishment, highlighting that even a minor delay of 30-45 seconds in a tournament like the CPL was deemed excessive.
CPL introduces red card in cricket, Sunil Narine becomes first to get
This season, CPL organizers have implemented an array of measures to address the persistent issue of slow-over rates, including the introduction of the red card for fielding sides found to be lagging behind schedule at the commencement of the final over of an inning.
SENT OFF! The 1st ever red card in CPL history. Sunil Narine gets his marching orders ???? #CPL23 #SKNPvTKR #RedCard #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/YU1NqdOgEX
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 28, 2023
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