New Delhi: Punjab Kings may have started their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign with a sensational win, but the captain Shreyas Iyer They found themselves in trouble in the league due to a slow over rate during the match against Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh on Tuesday.PBKS beat GT by three wickets in a tight chase, thanks to a superb debut performance from Cooper Connolly, who scored an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls. However, disciplinary action followed the victory, as the IPL confirmed that Iyer had been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate – the first such offense in IPL 2026.
Why was Shreyas Iyer fined?
According to an official IPL statement, the penalty comes under Article 2.22 of the Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences. As it was Punjab’s first offense of the season, Iyer was fined Rs 12 lakh.The statement read: “PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined as his team sustained a slow over-rate during match no. 4… As this was his team’s first offense under Article 2.22, he was fined Rs 12 lakh.”Captains are held accountable for ensuring that their teams fail to complete overs within the allotted time, with penalties for failure including fines and possible suspension.
Connolly shines in nervous PBKS win.
On the field, Punjab’s campaign started with a bang. Chasing 163, the hosts looked in control before a sudden collapse threatened to derail the chase. Prasad Krishna Panic ensued with a burst of three wickets, reducing Punjab from 110/2 to 118/6.However, Connolly held his nerve, made crucial partnerships and took the team home with five balls to spare. He was adjudged player of the match for his composing skills.Reflecting on the tension, Iyer said, “These things happen in the IPL. You have to stay organized. Cooper was there, calm and composed.He also praised the young Australian, adding, “Cooper has a great mind…some of the shots he played were unreal, especially against Rashid.”The next challenge awaits.The next match will be against Punjab. Chennai Super Kings On April 3 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The five-time champions, led by Rutoraj Gaikwad, are coming off an eight-wicket loss against the Rajasthan Royals and will be desperate to bounce back.
