Delhi Capitals' coaching staff, led by Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly, were seen involved in a heated argument with the officials in their match against Rajasthan Royals on Thursday night. Rajasthan Royals had named only three overseas players in the starting XI. After bring put in to bat, Royals scored 185/5 in their 20 overs.
Ahead of the run chase, Royals introduced their impact player, in the form of Nandre Burger, in place of Shimron Hetmyer. Even in that case, Royals had only three overseas players.
However, a controversy sparked between Ricky Ponting and the umpire, when Rajasthan Royals brought on Rovman Powell as a substitute fielder. With two foreigners coming on, Ponting was agitated and was seen arguing with the officials.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on IPL action
What is the overseas players limit in IPL?
The limit on overseas players per franchise in IPL, is four. Any franchise can field a maximum of four players in their playing XI / on the field at a point of time.
However, with the introduction of Impact Player rule, the franchises often name 3 foreign players in their starting XI after the toss, and then substitute a foreigner as an impact player, in place of an Indian cricketer or a foreigner.
MORE: "Completely changed" - SKY on Riyan Parag's electrifying IPL 2024 start
Did Rajasthan Royals breach the rules after substituting Rovman Powell?
No, Rajasthan Royals did not breach any rule, inspite of adding two overseas players on the field for the second innings. Royals brought in Nandre Burger as the impact player, and Rovman Powell as a substitute fielder.
A team can introduce an overseas player as a fielding substitute in place of an Indian player. The bottom-line rule remains the same - Four overseas players allowed on the field at any given point of time.
When Rovman Powell was brought on, Rajasthan Royals only had four overseas players - Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, Powell and Burger.