The drama off the pitch is nearly matching the action on it as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come down heavily on both Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya, captains of Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) respectively, for breaching the IPL 2025 Code of Conduct during the high-stakes Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The issue? A slow over-rate, a recurring problem for both franchises this season. But this time, with the tournament nearing its climax, the consequences are steeper—and costlier—than ever before.
Shreyas Iyer Fined ₹24 Lakh as PBKS Repeats Offence
Punjab Kings may be flying high after booking a spot in the IPL 2025 final, but their captain Shreyas Iyer has been dealt a significant blow. The BCCI fined Iyer ₹24 lakh for his team’s failure to maintain the minimum over-rate—a second offence this season.
The punishment doesn’t stop with the skipper. According to the BCCI's official statement:
“The rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, were each individually fined either ₹6 lakh or 25% of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser.”
This means the entire PBKS squad will feel the sting of the penalty, taking some sheen off their monumental win over Mumbai Indians.
Hardik Pandya Slapped with ₹30 Lakh Fine – A Season High
While Shreyas Iyer’s fine is hefty, it’s Hardik Pandya who finds himself bearing the brunt of the BCCI’s wrath. The MI skipper was fined a staggering ₹30 lakh after Mumbai Indians were found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate for the third time in the current season.
This is the highest individual fine imposed on any captain in IPL 2025 so far. Given that Pandya’s captaincy has already been under scrutiny following Mumbai’s lackluster bowling strategy in the Qualifier 2 loss, this latest blow adds further pressure on the embattled all-rounder.
It’s worth noting that repeated over-rate violations carry escalated punishments, and this third breach by MI has triggered the strictest sanctions allowed under the Code of Conduct.
A Growing Concern in T20 Cricket
Slow over-rates have long been a concern in T20 cricket, especially in high-tension knockout games where every strategic delay can snowball into extended innings. The BCCI has made its stance clear: captains are accountable and will be penalized if they fail to manage the clock.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about sending a message that the pace of play must be respected, particularly in a tournament as widely followed and commercially vital as the IPL.
While fines are currently the primary punitive tool, there have been murmurs that match bans could be on the table in future seasons for repeat offenders. Such measures could dramatically alter team dynamics, especially during crucial playoff encounters.
Social Media Reacts: Mixed Views on BCCI’s Tough Stand
The cricketing community had mixed reactions to the BCCI's announcement. While some lauded the board for taking a firm stand, others felt the fines were excessive, especially when emotions and tactics often stretch match durations during playoffs.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Hardik Pandya being fined ₹30 lakh is a wake-up call. Captains must manage the game better, especially in crunch matches.”
Another commented:
“Fining entire teams is harsh, but maybe it’ll finally make franchises plan overs more efficiently.”
Others questioned whether these fines alone are enough of a deterrent, suggesting that point deductions or match bans might be more impactful going forward.
Looking Ahead: A Cautionary Tale for Finalists
As Punjab Kings prepare to face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the grand finale of IPL 2025, this incident will surely serve as a reminder for both teams to manage their over-rates meticulously. The last thing any team wants in a final is off-field controversies overshadowing on-field brilliance.
For Shreyas Iyer, this fine comes at a time when he’s leading a team on the verge of making history. Whether it affects the team morale remains to be seen. Meanwhile, for Hardik Pandya, the fines, coupled with MI’s exit, cap off a disappointing and turbulent season.
Final Thoughts
The BCCI’s crackdown is a strong reminder that in the IPL, discipline is just as crucial as performance. As thrilling as the matches are, they must be played within the framework of the rules, especially with millions watching and the stakes higher than ever.
Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya are both top-tier talents, but this episode underscores that even the brightest stars aren’t above the rules. The message is loud and clear: play fast, play fair, or pay the price.
Stay tuned to the blog for more IPL 2025 coverage, including final match previews, player reactions, and behind-the-scenes insights.
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