RCB’s Tim David fined for breaching IPL code during MI clash; Hardik Pandya penalised for slow over-rate

Tim David of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during their match against Mumbai Indians (MI).

The incident occurred during Match No. 20 of the Indian Premier League 2026, where David was found guilty of violating Article 2.4, which relates to disobeying an umpire’s instructions.

According to the IPL, the first instance took place in the 18th over of RCB’s innings when the umpires decided to change the ball. David picked up the ball and delayed returning it despite repeated requests. A similar incident followed in the final over, where he again failed to promptly hand the ball back, amounting to repeated non-compliance.


David admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the match referee.

The episode had initially appeared light-hearted during the game at Wankhede Stadium, with David briefly toying with the ball after striking a six, drawing reactions from players including Rohit Sharma. However, it was later deemed a breach under the league’s code.

Separately, Hardik Pandya, captain of Mumbai Indians, was fined ₹12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate. As it was MI’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22, the penalty was limited to a monetary fine.

In the match, RCB posted a formidable 240/4, powered by half-centuries from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar. Mumbai Indians responded with 222/5, falling short by 18 runs.