Delhi Capitals’ (DC) bowling coach Munaf Patel has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The former Indian pacer, a key figure in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, was fined 25 percent of his match fees and handed one demerit point for a heated altercation with the fourth umpire during DC’s thrilling super over victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 16.
The drama unfolded during DC’s defense of a 188-run target against RR. As seen in the video, the fourth umpire prevented a DC reserve player from entering the field to relay a message from Patel to the on-field players.
Visibly frustrated, Patel, stationed near the boundary line and tying his laces, engaged in a heated exchange with the official. The moment, captured on video and widely shared online, showed the 41-year-old coach animatedly arguing his case.
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The BCCI, swift in its response, charged Patel with a Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 of the IPL Code of Conduct. Patel admitted to the breach and accepted the match referee’s sanction, which included the fine and demerit point. For Level 1 breaches, the match referee’s decision is final and binding, leaving no room for appeal.
"Munaf Patel, Bowling Coach, Delhi Capitals has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated One Demerit Point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday," said an IPL release.
"Munaf Patel admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 - which pertains to the conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game - and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding," the release added.
Also read: IPL 2025 Match 32 DC vs RR Highlights: Delhi Triumph in Super Over Humdinger Against Rajasthan
This is not Patel’s first brush with IPL disciplinary action. In 2012, as a Mumbai Indians (MI) player, he was fined 25 percent of his match fees for a prolonged argument with umpires during a match against Deccan Chargers.
However, this incident marks a rare instance of a coaching staff member being penalized in IPL 2025, highlighting the BCCI’s commitment to uphold decorum across all levels of team personnel.
Patel, who joined DC as bowling coach in November 2024, replacing James Hopes, brings a wealth of experience from his playing days, including 63 IPL matches and two IPL titles (Rajasthan Royals 2008, Mumbai Indians 2013). His role involves mentoring DC’s bowling unit, which performed admirably well in the RR match.
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DC Beat RR in Super Over
Talking about the match, DC and RR battled to a tie at 188 runs each, leading to a nail-biting super over. DC pacer Mitchell Starc restricted RR to just 11 runs, and KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs sealed the chase in four balls, sparking wild celebrations in the DC camp.
With five wins in six matches, Delhi Capitals are leading the IPL 2025 points table. They will next lock horns with Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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