New Delhi, April 17 In a first for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, disciplinary action has been taken against a support staff member. Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach Munaf Patel has been penalized for violating the league’s Code of Conduct following a tense clash between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals on April 16.
According to an official IPL statement, Munaf Patel was charged under Article 2.20which pertains to actions against the spirit of the game. He admitted to the offense and accepted the match referee’s decision. As a result, 25% of his match fee has been deducted, and he has been assigned one demerit point.
While the statement did not detail the incident, social media footage suggests that Munaf engaged in a heated exchange with the fourth umpire over sending a strategic message onto the field during a crucial moment of the match.
This marks the second disciplinary incident for Delhi Capitals in the current season. Earlier, captain Axar Patel was fined ₹12 lakh for maintaining a slow over rate during the match against Mumbai Indians.
Wednesday’s match proved to be one of the most exciting games of the season so far, with both Delhi and Rajasthan scoring 188 runspushing the match into a Super Over. Delhi’s Mitchell Starc bowled a tight over, restricting Rajasthan to just 11 runs. Chasing the target, Kl satisfied and Tristan Stubbs sealed the win in just four ballstriggering celebrations in the Delhi dugout.
Coach Munaf Patel, along with HEMEMANG DANI and Kevin Pietersenwas seen jubilantly hugging teammates after the win, while Rajasthan Royals’ head coach Rahul Dravid and his squad looked visibly disappointed.
With this victory, Delhi Capitals have now won five out of six matchesbecoming the first team to reach 10 points this season. They currently hold the top position on the IPL 2025 points tablesolidifying their status as early title contenders.
