Trinbago Knight Riders become first team to get red-card in CPL, What is a red-card in CPL? Explained

CPL team Trinbago Knight Riders became first team to receive a red-card on cricket field.

Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has always been a stage for innovation and excitement in the world of cricket. This year, it introduced a groundbreaking addition that raised eyebrows and captured attention worldwide, the red-card system. This football-inspired concept marked its debut in the CPL, making headlines as the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) became the first team to receive a red-card in the league’s history.

The CPL unveiled the red-card system for the 2023 season, aiming to combat the issue of slow over-rates. On a crucial day in CPL history, the 12th match of the ongoing tournament witnessed this rule in action. The Trinbago Knight Riders locked horns with the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, setting the stage for an unprecedented event that would reshape the dynamics of the game.

As the match unfolded, the slow over-rate issue began to cast its shadow over the proceedings. Trinbago Knight Riders found themselves behind the required over-rate at the commencement of the 20th over. This triggered the implementation of the red-card system. The umpires halted play, and TKR were presented with the red-card.

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Captain Kieron Pollard had no choice but to send off Sunil Narine, who had completed his spell of four overs with figures of 3/24. The red-card rule demanded that TKR lose a player for the final six deliveries of the innings. Furthermore, the team was constrained to have only two fielders outside the 30-yards line.

What is red-card in Cricket?

The red-card system, similar of football’s penalty system, is designed to tackle the persistent issue of slow over-rates. According to the new rule, if the bowling team falls behind the required over-rate at the start of the 20th over, the on-field umpire will issue a red-card to the bowling side. The team’s captain then selects a player who must exit the field for the remaining six balls of the inning. Additionally, the fielding team is restricted to having only two fielders stationed outside the 30-yards circle.

The introduction of the red-card system instantly stirred debate and emotion. Despite the Trinbago Knight Riders convincing six-wicket victory, captain Kieron Pollard voiced his dissatisfaction with the rule. Pollard expressed that penalizing the team for minor time infringements felt unjust, as it could negate the players’ hard work and effort.

“To be honest, it will take away the hard work everyone has done,” he said. “We are like the pawns and we are going to do what we are told. “We are going to play as fast as we can. If you are penalised for 30-45 seconds in a tournament like this, it is absolutely ridiculous.”

Trinbago Knight Riders’ red-card episode will be remembered as a landmark moment, highlighting the league’s commitment to maintaining a brisk pace of play. As cricket evolves with innovative regulations, it remains to be seen how this concept will influence the game’s dynamics and whether it will be adopted in other formats and leagues worldwide.

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