The Controversy Surrounding Slow Over-Rate Offense in IPL 2026

IPL takes Action Against RCB & MI for Slow Over-Rate and Bad Sportsmanship

The 2026 Indian Premier League season has been marred by controversy, and it just got worse for two of its biggest teams. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have both been found guilty of slow over-rate offences, with key players Tim David and Hardik Pandya facing the full force of the league’s disciplinary committee.

RCB’s Dominant Performance

It all started when RCB posted a massive 240/4 in their batting innings, with Sherfane Rutherford scoring a scintillating 71* off 31 balls and Virat Kohli contributing 50 off 38. The Bangalore-based side took full advantage of the powerplay, with their openers Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar laying the foundation for a massive total.

However, it was RCB’s inability to bowl out MI in 20 overs that led to the slow over-rate offence. Despite having a strong bowling lineup, RCB took a whopping 18 overs to get their opponents out, with MI eventually managing to score 222/5.

MI’s Failure to Deliver

As for MI, they seemed to be in control of the game at one point, thanks to Tim David’s 34* off 16. However, their slow score rate in the final overs led to their downfall. While Hardik Pandya’s 40 off 22 was a decent effort, MI’s inability to finish the game on time ultimately proved costly.

Slow Over-Rate Offence

According to recent reports, an independent adjudicator was appointed to review the footage and make a decision on the matter. And, in a shocking turn of events, the league’s discipline committee decided to take action against both teams. The decision was based on the principle that both teams should maintain a fair and quick pace throughout the duration of the game.

Amitabh Choudhary, the acting commissioner of the BCCI, stated that the decision was made keeping in mind the overall interest of the game.