Despite leading his team to a commanding win over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 49 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer found himself in trouble with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The dynamic captain was slapped with a fine of ₹12 lakh for his team’s slow over-rate during the high-profile clash held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.
PBKS Dominate the Match, But Iyer Penalised
In what was an otherwise spectacular performance by the Punjab Kings, who outclassed the Super Kings on their home turf, the post-match buzz quickly shifted from the win to the punishment handed to their captain. The BCCI confirmed that Iyer was fined under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals specifically with slow over-rate offences. While this was Punjab Kings’ first offence of the season, the rules leave no room for leniency when it comes to over-rate violations.
“Shreyas Iyer, Captain, Punjab Kings has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match 49 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday,” read the BCCI’s official statement.
Understanding the Over-Rate Rule
Over-rate has always been a critical aspect of the game, particularly in T20 cricket where every minute counts. According to IPL regulations, a team must complete their 20 overs within 90 minutes, including strategic timeouts. Failure to adhere to this rule leads to financial penalties and, for repeat offenders, can even result in suspension of the captain or point deductions.
In this case, PBKS were found lagging behind the required pace, causing delays and disrupting the flow of the game. As per the rule, this being their first offence, only a monetary fine was imposed. However, if the team continues to breach over-rate norms in future matches, the consequences could be far more severe.
BCCI’s Official Statement on the Incident
The BCCI further clarified in their release that the ₹12 lakh fine was applicable because this was the team’s first violation of the season.
“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Iyer was fined INR 12 Lakh,” the board stated.
This strict stance by the BCCI underlines its commitment to maintaining discipline and ensuring that matches proceed smoothly and within the allotted time frame.
Impact on the Game
While the slow over-rate did not seem to impact the final result—PBKS secured a comprehensive win—it did have an effect on the in-game dynamics. In fact, as a penalty during the match, Punjab Kings were forced to place one extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle at the beginning of the 19th over. This rule is part of the in-match penalty system adopted by the IPL to discourage teams from dragging their innings.
However, this slight disadvantage didn’t stop the team from delivering a stellar performance. Notably, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who was drafted into the XI for this game, rose to the occasion and claimed a brilliant hat-trick during the death overs, further swinging the momentum in PBKS’ favor.
A Learning Curve for Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer, known for his calm leadership and tactical acumen, will likely treat this fine as a learning experience. While his captaincy and on-field decisions were instrumental in Punjab Kings’ victory, this setback will remind him of the importance of time management during matches.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for captains across franchises that while strategy and execution are key to winning games, compliance with league rules is equally essential. With the playoffs inching closer, teams will need to be extra cautious to avoid unnecessary penalties that could hurt them in crucial moments.
Fans React to the Penalty
Social media was abuzz after news of the fine surfaced, with fans divided in their reactions. While some sympathised with Iyer, arguing that such minor delays are often unavoidable in high-pressure games, others lauded the BCCI for upholding discipline in the tournament.
Many fans also praised the performance of the PBKS bowling unit, particularly Chahal’s hat-trick, and felt that the over-rate penalty did little to tarnish what was otherwise an impressive all-round effort by the team.