New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Tim David He has been fined for “disobeying” the umpire’s instructions during his team’s IPL 2026 match. Mumbai Indians Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium.The incident happened in the 18th over of RCB’s innings when David launched Hardik Pandya over deep midwicket for a massive six. The sheer force of the hit changed the shape of the ball, prompting the umpire to call for a substitution.When a box of used balls was brought out, David picked one up and started playing with it. Despite repeated requests from the umpire to return the ball, he continued to handle it for a short period of time, clearly frustrating the official. The umpire was seen asking for the ball several times and was visibly irritated.After a short delay, David finally returned the ball.“Tim David, beater, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been fined 25% of his match fee and also accrued one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during Match No. 20 against Mumbai Indians (MI),” the IPL said in a statement.“He wanted to see the ball and did not hand it over despite repeated requests. The second incident occurred during the 20th over (19.2), when he again did not hand over the ball to the umpires, which amounts to repeated failure to comply with the umpire’s directions or instructions.”“David has violated Article 2.4 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which relates to ‘disobeying the direction of an umpire during a match’. David pleaded guilty and accepted the sanction of the match referee,” the release said.Half-centuries from skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli helped RCB post a massive 240/4, the second highest total of the season.In reply, Mumbai Indians managed 222/5, as RCB cruised to victory by 18 runs.
