IPL 2025: BCCI fined retired Indian pacer Munaf Patel for this reason

In an unexpected development off the field, former India pacer and current Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel has found himself in hot water following a controversial on-field episode during an intense IPL 2025 face-off between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) slapped Patel with a fine amounting to 25% of his match fees along with a demerit point against his name, citing a breach of the tournament's Code of Conduct.

The incident took place at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, a venue that witnessed both high-octane cricketing action and drama on the sidelines. According to sources, the controversy erupted when Delhi Capitals were fielding and Patel attempted to communicate with his players through a substitute fielder.

The fourth umpire, however, intervened and denied the reserve player entry onto the field, leading to a visibly animated exchange between Patel and the umpiring official. Footage from the altercation, where the coach was seen crouching at the boundary tying his laces while in discussion with the umpire, quickly made its rounds on social media, igniting debates around coach interference and match-day regulations.

The IPL's official statement clarified that Patel had accepted the Level 1 charge under Article 2.20 - an offence dealing with actions that contradict the spirit of the game. Given the nature of Level 1 breaches, the decision by the Match Referee remains final and is not open to appeal.

While no further punitive measures were announced, the incident raises questions about boundaries of coaching conduct during matches. Despite the controversy, Delhi Capitals managed to pull off one of the season's most thrilling wins. After the regular match ended in a tie, it was left to the Super Over where Mitchell Starc showcased nerves of steel.

Defending just nine runs, Starc outfoxed two well-set batters - Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer - restricting the Royals to a modest total. KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs then calmly chased down the target to give the home side a much-needed win - their first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium this season.

Starc, who had earlier delivered figures of 1 for 36 in his four overs, was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match for his performance under pressure. His Super Over brilliance not only sealed the match but also propelled Delhi Capitals back to the top of the table with 10 points from six matches.

While the team looks ahead to its next challenge against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, Munaf Patel's brush with the rulebook serves as a reminder that even off-field figures are expected to adhere strictly to the game's code. Whether this leads to tighter scrutiny of coaching roles during matches remains to be seen, but one thing is clear - in the IPL, the drama doesn't just unfold between the wickets.