Shreyas Iyer Fined ₹12 Lakh for Slow Over Rate Despite Winning Player of the Match Award

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer had a bittersweet evening at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Despite a stellar performance that earned him the Player of the Match award, he was hit with a hefty fine of ₹12 lakh for maintaining a slow over rate during their IPL clash against Chennai Super Kings.

The 49th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League was packed with drama as Punjab Kings successfully chased down a target of 191, clinching victory with four wickets in hand. Leading from the front, Iyer scored a brilliant 72 off 41 balls, showcasing his class under pressure. However, the joy of victory was short-lived.

According to the IPL’s updated code of conduct, captains are fined ₹12 lakh for their first offence of a slow over rate. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the penalty shortly after the match.

Due to the over rate breach, Punjab were forced to place fewer fielders outside the inner circle during the final over — a tactical disadvantage that could have proved costly had CSK batted through. Although the impact on the match outcome was negligible this time, the violation still warranted disciplinary action.

Ironically, Iyer received ₹1 lakh for being named Player of the Match, but incurred a net financial loss of ₹11 lakh from the game due to the fine.

The franchise is reportedly hoping this incident serves as a wake-up call for both the captain and the team, as repeated slow over rate offences could lead to even harsher consequences — including point deductions in future matches.