Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel has been fined and penalized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following a heated exchange with the fourth umpire during the IPL 2025 match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
In an official statement, the BCCI confirmed:
“Munaf Patel, Bowling Coach, Delhi Capitals, has been fined 25 percent of his match fees and also received one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.”
What Happened?
The incident took place on the sidelines during the high-intensity fixture. While the exact reason for the argument hasn’t been publicly disclosed, video clips from the match showed Munaf in a visibly animated conversation with the fourth umpire. Reports suggest the disagreement was likely about the timing or method of sending instructions to DC players through a substitute.
Munaf admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which covers behavior “contrary to the spirit of the game.” As per IPL rules, decisions on Level 1 offences are final and binding, with no further appeals allowed.
Munaf Patel: A Brief Career Overview
A member of India’s iconic 2011 World Cup-winning team, Munaf played international cricket from 2006 to 2011. He took 86 wickets in 70 ODIs and featured in 13 Tests and 3 T20Is. In the IPL, he represented Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions, collecting 74 wickets in 63 matches.
Ahead of IPL 2025, Munaf joined the Delhi Capitals as their bowling coach, replacing James Hopes during a major reshuffle of the support staff.
What’s Next?
While Delhi Capitals continue to impress on the field, this off-field controversy adds pressure on the franchise to maintain discipline and professionalism. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how DC balances performance with conduct.