IPL 2026: RCB coach Andy Flower fined after heated outburst during dramatic win over MI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's thrilling win over Mumbai Indians was marred by a setback as head coach Andy Flower was fined for using audible obscenity during a tense moment. The incident occurred during a controversial boundary call, leading to a heated exchange. Despite this, RCB secured a crucial victory, while Mumbai Indians were eliminated from the playoff race.
NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s thrilling last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians came with a setback off the field as head coach Andy Flower was fined for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the high-voltage clash on Sunday. The IPL confirmed in an official statement that Flower was fined 15 per cent of his applicable match fee for a Level 1 offence under Article 2. 3 of the tournament’s Code of Conduct, which relates to the “use of an audible obscenity during a match.
” The incident took place during the 17. 2 over of RCB’s tense chase when Flower reacted angrily towards the fourth umpire following a controversial boundary decision involving Krunal Pandya. Facing Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar, Krunal lofted the ball towards wide long-on where Mumbai Indians fielder Naman Dhir completed an acrobatic relay effort near the ropes.
Dhir parried the ball towards Tilak Varma while stepping over the boundary line, but Tilak failed to complete the catch and appeared to signal a six, seemingly believing Dhir had touched the boundary cushions. Television replays later confirmed that Dhir had avoided contact with the ropes. Since Krunal, who appeared to be cramping, did not attempt a run, the delivery was eventually ruled a dot ball.
Flower was visibly frustrated by the confusion surrounding the decision and exchanged heated words with the fourth umpire. The IPL later stated that the former Zimbabwe captain admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Amit Sharma. “As per Article 2.