New Delhi: The TATA Indian Premier League(IPL) 2026 season has seen strict enforcement of the BCCI’s code of conduct, Particularly regarding minimum over-rate offences. As the league moves closer to the playoffs, significant fines have been imposed on several captains. The action has highlighted the BCCI’s commitment to maintaining match timelines and preserving the spirit of the game.
What Is a Slow Over-Rate Offence?
Every T20 innings must finish within 90 minutes. Under Rule 12.6 of the IPL Playing Conditions, teams must maintain an over rate of 14.11 overs per hour. They must complete the 20th over within 90 minutes, including two Strategic Time-outs.
Officials do not count time lost to DRS reviews or injuries. Beyond these exceptions, teams cannot justify slow over rates. Match officials do not need to prove intent to waste time. Teams face penalties if they fail to maintain the required rate.
Penalty Structure
- 1st Offence: Captain fined ₹12 lakhs. No fines for other players.
- 2nd Offence: Captain fined ₹24 lakhs; every member of the playing XI (including Impact Player) fined ₹6 lakhs or 25% of their match fee (whichever is lower). Fielding restrictions may also apply in subsequent games (e.g., only 4 players allowed outside the 30-yard circle for a certain period).
- 3rd and Subsequent Offences: Captain fined up to ₹30 lakhs, with higher player fines (up to 50% of match fee) and possible match bans or demerit points.
Season biggest over rate offender
The Punjab Kings captain has been fined the most times this season.
- Iyer was first penalised ₹12 lakhs after PBKS maintained a slow over-rate during Match 4 against Gujarat Titans at New Chandigarh — this was Punjab’s first offence of the season.
- There was no grace period, though. In Match 7, PBKS again fell short during their away fixture against Chennai Super Kings — their second violation.
- Iyer was fined ₹24 lakhs, and the rest of the playing XI were also docked either ₹6 lakhs or 25% of their match fees, whichever was lower.
- This season, Iyer’s personal fine has reached up to ₹36 lakhs — which is the highest of any captain in IPL 2026 so far.
Other Key Provisions of the IPL Code of Conduct
The Code categorises offences into Levels 1 to 4 (separate from over-rate rules):
- Level 1: Minor infractions like audible obscenity or dissent — usually warnings, fines up to 50% of match fee, and demerit points.
- Level 2: Serious dissent or inappropriate language — higher fines and possible suspensions.
- Level 3 & 4: Grave offences such as violence, ball-tampering, or match-fixing — severe bans and heavy penalties.
The IPL also operates under broader BCCI frameworks including the Anti-Corruption Code, Anti-Doping Code, and Anti-Discrimination Code. Additional 2026 guidelines cover team access, dugout discipline, dress codes, and restrictions on support staff to protect pitch integrity and overall professionalism.
Fines in IPL 2026 So Far (as of May 12)
Iyer isn’t alone. Several other captains have felt the heat too:
Shubman Gill received a ₹12 lakh fine after Gujarat Titans maintained a slow over rate against Delhi Capitals in Match 14 in Delhi. It was the team’s first offence of the season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad also received a ₹12 lakh fine after Chennai Super Kings bowled slowly against Delhi Capitals in Match 18 at home.
Hardik Pandya received a ₹12 lakh fine during Match 20 after Mumbai Indians maintained a slow over rate against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It was MI’s first such offence of the 2026 season.
Ajinkya Rahane also received a ₹12 lakh fine after KKR maintained a slow over rate against CSK in Match 22. It marked the team’s first offence of the season.
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Other Code of Conduct Breaches
During KKR vs SRH, Abhishek Sharma received one demerit point and a 25% match-fee fine for opposing an umpire’s decision. The act was treated as a Level 1 breach under Article 2.3 of the Code.
In Match 38, Angkrish Raghuvanshi reacted angrily to a controversial obstructing-the-field dismissal. The KKR batter threw his helmet and slammed his bat in frustration.
One of the strangest incidents this season involved Riyan Parag.The Rajasthan Royals captain received a fine during Match 40 against Punjab Kings for vaping in the dressing room. The act violated Indian law and harmed the game’s image.
Kyle Jamieson was warned and handed one demerit point during Match 43. The Delhi Capitals pacer was punished for an aggressive send-off to youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against Rajasthan Royals.
Tim David received one demerit point and a 25% match-fee fine during Match 20. The RCB batter repeatedly refused to return the ball to the umpire after a ball change, violating the rules.
All fine amounts are from personal player earnings, not franchise funds. Fines are announced via official IPL media advisories.
Amulya Shrivastav is a journalist who loves cricket and enjoys telling stories around it. Her interest in the sport is what led her to choose journalism as a career. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and writes mainly on sports, while also exploring topics like politics, health, tech, and lifestyle. Her work focuses on simple, engaging storytelling that connects with readers.