DC Captain Axar Patel Fined 12 Lakh for Overrate Breach

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel was fined 12 lakh rupees by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Monday after his team breached minimum overrate requirements during their Indian Premier League match against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

The penalty marked Delhi Capitals' first overrate offence of the IPL 2026 season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which holds the captain responsible for ensuring the team bowls its overs within the allotted time. An IPL media advisory confirmed the fine, noting similar penalties already imposed on other captains, including Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya, for comparable violations this season.

Delhi Capitals secured a three-wicket victory in Match No. 55, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. Patel won the toss and elected to bowl first on a fresh pitch he described as offering early assistance to bowlers with the new ball. Punjab Kings posted 210 for five in 20 overs, powered by Priyansh Arya's 56 off 33 balls and Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 59 off 36 deliveries. Mitchell Starc and Madhav Tiwari claimed two wickets each for Delhi Capitals.