Rajat Patidar Fined More Than Pat Cummins for IPL Slow Over-Rate: Here’s Why?
In a recent turn of events during IPL 2025, fans were left puzzled as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s interim captain Rajat Patidar received a steeper fine compared to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Pat Cummins, despite both teams being penalized for the same offense — slow over-rate.
But why was Patidar fined ₹24 lakh while Cummins got away with ₹12 lakh? Here’s the full explanation.
The Offense: Slow Over-Rate in IPL
The IPL Code of Conduct has strict guidelines regarding over-rates to ensure matches run on time. Teams are expected to bowl their 20 overs within the stipulated 90 minutes. Any delay without valid justification results in fines, and in repeat cases, suspensions.
First-Time vs Repeat Offender
- Pat Cummins, captain of SRH, was found guilty of his first over-rate offense of the season. As per IPL rules, the fine for a first offense is ₹12 lakh.
- Rajat Patidar, leading RCB in the absence of Faf du Plessis, was handed a ₹24 lakh fine because it was RCB’s second offense of the season.
Under IPL regulations:
- First offense: ₹12 lakh
- Second offense: ₹24 lakh for captain, ₹6 lakh or 25% match fee (whichever is lesser) for playing XI
- Third offense: May lead to match bans for the captain
Thus, Patidar’s heavier penalty was a result of the team’s repeated breach of over-rate rules, not a harsher ruling against him individually.
The Bigger Picture
IPL 2025 has seen a strong push to enforce match timings strictly. With tight broadcast schedules and audience engagement at stake, the BCCI has shown zero tolerance for delays.
Captains, especially stand-ins like Patidar, carry the burden of leading from the front and ensuring tactical decisions do not eat into game time. It also emphasizes that the IPL holds teams accountable, not just individual leaders.
Conclusion
While both Cummins and Patidar were guilty of slow over-rates, the fines reflect their teams’ compliance history rather than favoritism or inconsistency in penalties. This incident serves as a reminder to all teams: every over, every minute, and every decision counts.
