In a notable disciplinary move during IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has penalised Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach, Munaf Patel, for violating the Indian Premier League’s Code of Conduct. The incident took place during Delhi’s high-tension victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, April 16.
According to an official IPL statement, Patel accepted responsibility for a Level 1 offence under Article 2.20, which pertains to actions deemed contrary to the spirit of the game. As a result, he was fined 25% of his match fee and issued one demerit point.
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While specific details were not disclosed in the statement, the penalty is believed to be linked to a verbal altercation between Munaf Patel and the fourth umpire near the boundary line. A viral video from the match shows Patel animatedly disputing an issue regarding communication with players on the field through a substitute fielder.
This marks the second disciplinary issue for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. Earlier in the season, skipper Axar Patel was fined ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate during the team’s sole defeat, which came against the Mumbai Indians.
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The match itself was a thriller, with both sides finishing on 188 runs, pushing the contest into a Super Over. Delhi’s Mitchell Starc limited the Royals to just 11 runs in the tie-breaker. KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs completed the chase in just four balls, sealing a dramatic win for the Capitals.
Emotions were palpable at the final whistle. Rajasthan Royals’ camp, led by head coach Rahul Dravid, appeared visibly downcast, while Delhi’s support staff — including Hemang Badani and Kevin Pietersen alongside Munaf Patel — celebrated the tense victory with great enthusiasm. A video capturing the emotional hug between Rahul and Stubbs after the winning six, struck powerfully by Stubbs over deep mid-wicket, quickly gained traction online.
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The triumph propelled Delhi Capitals to the top of the points table with five wins from six games, making them the first team this season to hit the 10-point mark.