Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has been fined ₹12 lakh by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for maintaining a slow over rate during the high-scoring IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Despite the penalty, Delhi Capitals kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a thrilling three-wicket victory while chasing a massive target of 211 runs. The match turned into one of the most exciting contests of the season, with Delhi pulling off the chase in dramatic fashion.
According to the IPL Code of Conduct under Article 2.22, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, this was Delhi Capitals’ first offence of the season. As a result, Axar Patel received a fine of ₹12 lakh.
Slow over-rate violations have become a recurring issue in IPL 2026, with several captains already facing disciplinary action from the BCCI. Players including Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya have also been penalised earlier in the tournament for similar offences.
Axar Patel played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals’ dramatic win with a blistering knock of 56 runs off just 30 balls. The left-handed all-rounder smashed eight boundaries and two sixes, registering his first half-century in 20 IPL innings. His partnership with David Miller proved decisive as the experienced batter contributed a quickfire 51 off 28 deliveries.
Youngsters Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari added late fireworks to guide Delhi Capitals closer to victory before Auqib Nabi Dar sealed the match with a towering six in the penultimate over.
Speaking after the win, Axar Patel praised the team effort and highlighted the importance of the partnership with David Miller in stabilising the innings during a tense chase.
The Delhi skipper also explained why he chose not to bowl in the match. According to Axar, the Dharamsala pitch offered extra assistance to fast bowlers, prompting him to rely entirely on his pace attack instead of introducing spin into the game.
Delhi Capitals still remain in contention for an IPL 2026 playoff spot, although their qualification chances depend on results from other teams. The franchise can now reach a maximum of 14 points this season. Delhi will next face Rajasthan Royals on May 17 in a must-win encounter.
