In a significant moment during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023, veteran spin bowler Sunil Narine found himself at the center of attention as the first player to be affected by the newly introduced red-card rule. The incident unfolded during the 12th match of the tournament between St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKN) and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), held at Warner Park in Basseterre on Sunday.
The turning point occurred on the eve of the final over of the Patriots’ innings. On-field umpire Zahid Bassarath brandished the red card, signifying that the Trinbago Knight Riders were in violation of the slow-over rate regulations. The Knight Riders had fallen behind the required over rate in each of their last three overs, resulting in adverse consequences.
As a result of the penalty, the Knight Riders were left shorthanded with only ten players available for the final over. They were further handicapped by the presence of just two fielders positioned outside the 30-yard circle. Since Narine had already completed his 4-over quota, he was sent off the field.
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Here is the video:
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
Penalties Under the New Rules
In accordance with the new rules implemented in the CPL, a sequence of penalties is triggered if the bowling team fails to initiate their overs within the stipulated time frames. Should the 18th over not commence on time, an additional fielder is allowed inside the 30-yard circle with four permitted in the outfield. A similar pattern follows for the 19th over. However, if the final over’s commencement is delayed, one player is required to leave the field, leaving only two players outside the circle. The Trinbago Knight Riders incurred all three penalties during this match.
The consequences were exploited by Patriots’ batter Sherfane Rutherford, who capitalized on the disrupted fielding configuration. In the final over, bowled by Dwayne Bravo, Rutherford amassed 18 runs, further amplifying the impact of the Knight Riders’ violation.
Nicholas Pooran Sets Up Dominant Chase
Reflecting on the game itself, the Patriots, after being elected to bat first, managed to compile a total of 178/5 within their allocated 20 overs. The standout performer was Rutherford, who crafted a remarkable unbeaten knock of 62 runs from 38 deliveries, powered by 4 fours and 5 sixes. Narine, ahead of his exit from the field, managed to complete his 4-over quota and secured a three-wicket haul, conceding 24 runs.
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In response, the Trinbago Knight Riders orchestrated a compelling chase, successfully reaching the target in just 17.1 overs with six wickets in hand. Nicholas Pooran took center stage with an explosive innings, scoring 61 from a mere 32 deliveries, inclusive of 5 fours and 4 sixes. The team’s captain, Kieron Pollard, contributed an unbeaten 37-run knock to seal their victory.
