RCB coach Andy Flower fined 15% match fee for IPL Code breach
Synopsis
RCB coach Andy Flower was fined 15% of his match fee for breaching IPL Code Article 2.3 after an aggressive exchange with the fourth umpire over a controversial boundary call in the 17.2 over. Despite the disciplinary action, RCB pulled off a stunning two-wicket win over MI in a last-ball finish, eliminating their opponents from playoff contention.
Key Takeaways
Andy Flower , RCB head coach, fined 15% of applicable match fee for Level 1 Code of Conduct breach.
Violation: Article 2.3 — use of audible obscenity during the match against Mumbai Indians .
Incident occurred in 17.2 over following a contentious boundary call involving Krunal Pandya .
Naman Dhir's catch attempt was parried to Tilak Varma , who did not complete it; replays showed no boundary contact.
RCB won by two wickets in a last-ball thriller; Mumbai Indians eliminated from IPL 2026 playoffs.
Flower admitted to the offence; match referee Amit Sharma imposed the sanction.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower has been fined 15 per cent of his applicable match fee for breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct during the IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians. The breach relates to Article 2.3, which covers the use of audible obscenity during a match, the IPL stated in an official announcement.
The incident
The violation occurred in the 17.2 over when Flower spoke aggressively with the fourth umpire following a contentious boundary call involving Krunal Pandya. Krunal, facing AM Ghazanfar, lofted the ball towards wide long-on where Naman Dhir attempted to take the catch near the ropes. Dhir parried the ball towards Tilak Varma while stepping over the boundary line, but Tilak did not complete the catch.
What the replays showed
Television replays revealed that Dhir had not made contact with the boundary cushions during the fielding effort, despite initial confusion on the field. Krunal, who was cramping at the time, did not attempt a run, and the delivery resulted in a dot ball. The umpire's original decision to signal a boundary was later deemed incorrect upon review.
Code of Conduct details
Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct covers the use of words commonly known to be offensive, obscene, or profane in any language that can be heard by spectators or the viewing public. This includes swearing in frustration at one's own play or fortune. Flower admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma.
Match outcome
RCB orchestrated one of the tournament's most astonishing victories, edging past Mumbai Indians by two wickets in a last-ball thriller. With the loss, Mumbai Indians became the second team after Lucknow Super Giants to be eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race.
Point of View
But it underscores the high-wire tension of playoff cricket. The boundary call itself — a fielder stepping over the line, a catch parried to a teammate who didn't complete it — exemplifies the grey zones that plague T20. What RCB did after the incident, however, is what will be remembered: they won a match that looked lost, eliminating MI in the process. The coaching breach is footnote to that narrative.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Andy Flower fined?
Andy Flower was fined 15% of his applicable match fee for breaching Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which covers the use of audible obscenity during a match. The violation occurred during the 17.2 over when Flower spoke aggressively with the fourth umpire after a contentious boundary call.
What was the boundary call controversy in the 17.2 over?
In the 17.2 over, Krunal Pandya lofted the ball towards wide long-on where Naman Dhir attempted a catch near the ropes. Dhir parried the ball to Tilak Varma while stepping over the boundary line, but Tilak did not complete the catch. Replays showed Dhir had not made contact with the boundary cushions.
Did the fine affect the match result?
No. Despite the disciplinary action, RCB went on to win the match by two wickets in a last-ball thriller against Mumbai Indians. The boundary call and subsequent fine did not alter the final outcome.
What does Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct cover?
Article 2.3 covers the use of words commonly known to be offensive, obscene, or profane in any language that can be heard by spectators or the viewing public. This includes swearing in frustration at one's own play or fortune.
What are the consequences of Mumbai Indians' loss?
With the loss, Mumbai Indians became the second team after Lucknow Super Giants to be eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race.
