IPL 2026: RCB head coach Andy Flower fined 15% match fee after heated exchange in Raipur

Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the IPL 2026 Code of Conduct during RCB’s clash against Mumbai Indians in Raipur on Sunday, May 10.

The IPL stated that Flower violated Article 2.3 of the Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of an audible obscenity during a match. The incident took place in the 17.2 over of RCB’s run chase when Flower was involved in a heated exchange with the fourth umpire.

The controversy began after a contentious boundary decision involving Krunal Pandya. Facing AM Ghazanfar, Krunal lofted the ball towards wide long-on, where Naman Dhir grabbed the catch near the ropes and parried it towards Tilak Varma while stepping over the boundary line.

Tilak failed to complete the catch and appeared to signal a six, seemingly believing Dhir had touched the boundary cushions during the effort. However, replays confirmed that Dhir had not made contact with the cushions. Krunal, who was struggling with cramps, did not attempt a run, and the delivery was eventually ruled a dot ball.

Flower later admitted to speaking aggressively with the fourth umpire and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma. Under IPL regulations, sanctions for Level 1 offences are final and binding.

Meanwhile, RCB emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter, defeating MI by two wickets in Match 54 of the 2026 IPL and eliminating them from the tournament. After being put in to bat by Rajat Patidar, MI posted 166/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to valuable knocks from Naman Dhir (47) and Tilak Varma (57). For the defending champions, Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred with the ball, claiming four wickets for just 23 runs.

In reply, RCB chased down the target in dramatic fashion, sealing victory off the final ball after Rasikh Salam Dar scrambled two runs. Krunal Pandya proved to be the architect of the win with a superb 73 off 46 deliveries, once again showcasing his match-winning ability.