The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently introduced a Demerit Points System for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This has been introduced to focus on the threat of suspension rather than suspension itself, as per a report in Cricbuzz.
The BCCI designed this approach so that it brings a change in the behavior of players, officials, and others. The new system has been taken from the International Cricket Council (ICC) but the Indian body will be using it with minor changes, especially in the time frame.
BCCI will be using the Demerit Points System in the IPL for the cycle of three years
While the ICC calculates the Demerit Points for five years, BCCI will be using it in the IPL for three years. On the accumulation of the points, the players will be awarded suspensions. There will be different slabs for suspension as well.
For example, if a player bags four to seven demerit points, then he will face a one-match suspension, 8-11 points will lead to a two-match suspension, 12-15 points will incur a three-match suspension, and 16 or more points will result in a five-match suspension. This falls under the article 7.6 of the laws.
IPL believes that the threat of a suspension is the strongest deterrent to bring about a behaviour change – BCCI
The BCCI stated: “The IPL believes that the threat of a suspension is the strongest deterrent to bring about a behaviour change, hence the system of accumulated Demerit Points which is included in the Code of Conduct.”
“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. 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 the accumulation of Demerit Points is provided under Article 7.8 of the Regulations,”
The BCCI also explained how demerit points will be imposed. The player who commits an offence under the Code of Conduct will be handed a point. In simple words, the levels of the breach will determine the number of demerit points.
As per the rules, a fine of 25% of the match fee carries one demerit point. A Level 2 offence attracts 3-4 demerit points, a Level 3 offence results in 5-6 demerit points, and a Level 4 breach leads to 7-8 demerit points.
Demerit Points will be imposed upon a Player or Team Official found to have committed an offence – BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India stated: “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.”
The match referee or an ombudsman will determine the punishment, which will be imposed for a specific period or a certain number of matches. Clearing this point, the BCCI stated:
“Where a Match Referee or Ombudsman imposes a period of suspension on any Player or Team Official, then, unless such period is for a fixed period of time (for example, one year), then any such period of suspension shall be referenced by Suspension Points.
“Each Match in the League shall carry the weightage of one (1) Suspension Point. To clarify, a sanction of one (1) Suspension Point shall result in a one (1) Match suspension.”
