Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer has been penalized with a Rs 12 lakh fine due to his team’s sluggish over-rate in the IPL 2026 season opener against Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 31 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
PBKS, last season’s runners-up, began their IPL 2026 journey on a positive note with a narrow three-wicket victory over the Titans.
The IPL, in a statement released on Wednesday, confirmed that PBKS had violated Article 2.22 of the league’s Code of Conduct, resulting in the fine for Iyer as it was their first such offense this season.
According to the IPL Code of Conduct, teams are expected to complete their bowling innings within 90 minutes. For a first offense, only the captain faces a fine, like in Iyer’s case with Rs 12 lakh. In the event of a second offense, the captain is fined Rs 24 lakh, while the rest of the team members are penalized Rs 6 lakh or 25% of their match fee, whichever is lower.
For subsequent offenses in the same season, the captain incurs a Rs 30 lakh fine, irrespective of their role in the playing lineup. Additionally, each playing XI member, excluding the captain, faces a fine of Rs 12 lakh or 50% of their match fee, whichever is less.
During the match, Iyer sustained a hand injury after being hit at the non-striker’s end but bravely continued to bat before being dismissed for 18 runs by Prasidh Krishna.
In the post-match media briefing, Punjab’s key spinner Yuzvendra Chahal provided reassurance about Iyer’s well-being, stating that he is in good condition.
Following their triumph against the Titans, PBKS will aim to maintain their winning momentum as they face the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on April 3 at the Chepauk stadium.