The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has seen strict enforcement of over-rate regulations, and the latest match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Lucknow brought this issue into the spotlight. RCB’s Rajat Patidar and SRH’s Pat Cummins have both been handed hefty fines for their teams’ slow over-rate offences, but the penalties differed based on the number of offences this season.
Why Were Patidar and Cummins Fined?
During the high-stakes clash at the Ekana Stadium, both teams failed to maintain the minimum required over-rate. The IPL’s Code of Conduct holds captains primarily responsible for such infractions, with escalating fines for repeat offences.
Rajat Patidar was fined INR 24 lakh because it was RCB’s second slow over-rate offence of the season. According to IPL rules, repeat offences attract steeper penalties for the designated captain—even if they are not leading on the field that day.
Pat Cummins was fined INR 12 lakh as it was SRH’s first slow over-rate offence of the season, resulting in a lower penalty.
How the Fines Were Calculated
The IPL’s penalty structure for slow over-rate offences is clear:
First offence: INR 12 lakh fine for the captain.
Second offence: INR 24 lakh fine for the captain, and each member of the playing XI (including the Impact Player) is fined either INR 6 lakh or 25% of their match fee, whichever is lower.
Subsequent offences: Heavier fines, but as per the 2025 rule change, no automatic suspension for a third offence.
In this case, RCB’s second offence meant Patidar, as the registered captain, bore the brunt of the penalty—even though Jitesh Sharma was the on-field captain for the match. This mirrors previous IPL situations where the official captain is held accountable regardless of temporary leadership changes.
Impact on Teams and Playoff Race
The match itself saw SRH post a formidable 231/6, with RCB falling short at 189. The defeat dented RCB’s momentum and net run rate as the playoff race intensifies, while SRH gained a much-needed boost.
Key Points from the Match and Penalties:
- RCB’s second slow over-rate offence led to a doubled fine for Patidar.
- All RCB playing XI members, including the Impact Player, were also fined.
- SRH’s first offence resulted in a standard fine for Cummins.
- No suspensions apply for a third offence in IPL 2025, following a recent rule change.
FAQs: Slow Over-Rate Fines in IPL 2025
1. Why was Rajat Patidar fined more than Pat Cummins?
Patidar was fined INR 24 lakh because it was RCB’s second slow over-rate offence of the season, while Cummins was fined INR 12 lakh for SRH’s first offence.
2. Are other players fined for slow over-rate offences?
Yes, after a team’s second offence, all playing XI members, including the Impact Player, are fined INR 6 lakh or 25% of their match fee, whichever is lower.
3. Does the captain get suspended after repeated offences?
No, as per IPL 2025 rules, there is no automatic suspension for a third slow over-rate offence. The rule was changed ahead of this season.
4. Who is responsible for the fine if the on-field captain is different?
The designated team captain registered with the IPL is held responsible for over-rate offences, regardless of who leads on the field during the match.
5. How do slow over-rate penalties affect team strategies?
Teams are under pressure to maintain the pace of play, as repeated offences can lead to significant financial penalties for both captains and players, impacting morale and team finances.
Conclusion
The IPL’s crackdown on slow over-rates in 2025 has resulted in significant fines for both Rajat Patidar and Pat Cummins, highlighting the league’s commitment to keeping matches on schedule. With the playoff race heating up, teams will need to be even more vigilant about over-rate management to avoid costly penalties and maintain their momentum in the tournament.