The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed strict penalties on Munaf Patel, the bowling coach of Delhi Capitals, following his involvement in a contentious exchange with the fourth umpire during the IPL 2025 home match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. Munaf, a former Indian fast bowler, has been fined 25% of his match fees and has received one demerit point for violating the IPL Code of Conduct.

In an official statement, the BCCI noted, "Munaf Patel, Bowling Coach of Delhi Capitals, has been fined 25 percent of his match fees and has also received one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Wednesday."

The BCCI confirmed that Munaf was found guilty of a Level 1 offence, with the match referee's ruling being conclusive.

The statement further explained, "Munaf Patel acknowledged the Level 1 offence under Article 2.20, which addresses conduct that contradicts the spirit of the game, and accepted the sanctions imposed by the Match Referee. For Level 1 violations of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding."

Why Munaf Patel was punished

Munaf engaged in a heated exchange with the fourth umpire during the match between DC and RR. A video that has since gained widespread attention shows the former Indian fast bowler animatedly conversing with the fourth umpire, accompanied by expressive hand gestures. While the precise cause of the disagreement remains unclear, it is likely related to Munaf's appeal to allow a 12th player onto the field with drinks to convey some instructions to the DC players.

Munaf Patel's career graph

Munaf Patel, a significant contributor to India's victorious 2011 World Cup team, participated in international cricket from 2006 to 2011. Throughout his career, he played 13 Test matches, where he achieved 35 wickets with an average of 38.54. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he took 86 wickets across 70 matches at an average of 30.26, with his best performance being 4 wickets for 29 runs. In the T20 International format, he played 3 matches and secured 4 wickets at an average of 21.50. Notably, during the 2011 World Cup, he was instrumental in taking 11 wickets for the team.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Munaf represented three franchises: Rajasthan Royals from 2008 to 2010, Mumbai Indians from 2011 to 2013, and Gujarat Lions in 2017. Over the course of 63 IPL matches, he claimed 74 wickets with an average of 22.95 and an economy rate of 7.51, achieving his best bowling figures of 5 wickets for 21 runs. Although he showed great potential early in his career, injuries ultimately affected his performance, leading to his retirement in 2018.

Recently, Munaf succeeded James Hopes as the bowling coach following a comprehensive restructuring of the Delhi Capitals' support staff after the previous season.

Read Also: Sanju Samson Cautioned by Umpire During Match: "You Can't Do That... Unless It Becomes WACA"