Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya Fined for Slow Over-Rate in IPL 2025 Qualifier

Fines Imposed on Captains for Slow Over-Rate

During the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 held in Ahmedabad on June 1, both Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Punjab Kings, and Hardik Pandya, the leader of Mumbai Indians, faced fines due to slow over-rates.

The match was delayed because of unexpected rain following the toss, and it was already under revised playing conditions that permitted a two-hour extension to complete the game. However, both teams still failed to adhere to the time limits due to their slow over-rate.

This incident marked the second offence for Punjab Kings this season, resulting in a fine of INR 24 lakh for Iyer. Conversely, it was the third offence for Mumbai Indians, leading to a heftier penalty of INR 30 lakh for Pandya.

Additionally, other players from Punjab Kings were fined either INR 6 lakh or 25% of their match fee, whichever was lower, while Mumbai Indians players faced fines of INR 12 lakh or 50% of their match fee, whichever was less.

Interestingly, despite this being the third over-rate violation for Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya managed to avoid suspension. A rule change implemented before IPL 2025 eliminated the automatic suspension clause that previously caused him to miss the opening match this year due to a similar infraction in IPL 2024.

Shreyas Iyer's Stellar Performance Secures Final Spot

Despite the fines, Shreyas Iyer shone brightly during the match, scoring an impressive unbeaten 87 runs off just 41 balls. His outstanding performance was crucial in helping Punjab Kings chase down Mumbai's total of 203/6 with one over remaining, securing a five-wicket victory and a place in the IPL 2025 final.

Earlier in the game, Mumbai Indians had set a solid target, thanks to contributions from Tilak Varma (44), Suryakumar Yadav (44), and Naman Dhir (37). However, their bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive batting from Punjab Kings, led by Iyer, along with Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29) and Josh Inglis (38 off 21).

PBKS is now set to face RCB in the IPL 2025 final. Both teams have been part of the league since its inception in 2008 but have yet to secure a championship title, ensuring that one of them will finally break their trophy drought on Tuesday.