IPL 2026: Kieron Pollard fined for use of ‘audible obscenity’ during PBKS vs MI match

Mumbai Indians’ batting coach Kieron Pollard has been fined for using an obscenity during their victory over the Punjab Kings in Match 58 of the 2026 Indian Premier League at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. 

The incident reportedly occurred in the 19th over of MI’s chase, with Pollard found guilty of using audible obscenities toward the fourth umpire. He has been found to have breached Article 2.3 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which covers offences of this nature. He has been hit with a fine of 15 per cent of his match fee along with one demerit point.

“Kieron Pollard, Batting Coach, Mumbai Indians has been fined 15% of his applicable match fee and accumulated one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team officials,” an official IPL media advisory read.

“Pollard was found to have breached article 2.3 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which relates to “use of an audible obscenity during a match.” The incident occurred in the 19th over of the second innings when Pollard used abusive language towards the fourth umpire. Pollard admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by Match Referee, Pankaj Dharmani.”

Pollard, a veteran of the franchise, has been serving as the batting coach for the five-time champions since 2023. He is one of MI’s most storied players, contributing heavily in all five of their trophy runs, and has been part of the team in a significant backroom role.

The Mumbai Indians recorded their fourth win of the season at Dharamshala against the Punjab Kings. Electing to field first, they restricted the Punjab Kings to a total of 200/8 in their 20 overs, with the returning Shardul Thakur picking up figures of 4 for 39.

They chased the total down despite an early hiccup, with Tilak Verma scoring an unbeaten 33-ball 75. With 50 runs needed off the final three overs, Tilak launched an assault on the Kings’ bowlers, supported by Will Jacks, who played an unbeaten hand of 25 from just 10 balls. The pair ensured that the five-time champions reached home with six wickets in hand and a ball to spare, handing stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah a victory in his first game leading the franchise. 

The five-time champions have been eliminated from IPL 2026, but will be looking to finish their season on a high. They head to the Eden Gardens to take on the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20, before closing out their campaign against the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium on May 24.