IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya fined for equipment abuse against Kolkata Knight Riders

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya received a 10 per cent fine of the match fee and also received one demerit point.

The penalty came after Hardik Pandya hit the wicket bails in anger. The moment happened during the IPL 2026 match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

Mumbai Indians lost the match by four wickets on Wednesday. Kolkata Knight Riders chased 148 with seven balls remaining. Hardik Pandya bowled two overs and conceded 13 runs. Hardik Pandya did not take any wicket, which added to the frustration during the spell.

Hardik Pandya fine in IPL Code of Conduct breach

The IPL said the act broke Level 1 of the Code. Hardik Pandya was punished for striking the bails while returning to the run-up. The statement linked the offence to equipment misuse during play. Match officials treated the action as a clear breach under the league’s conduct rules.

“Hardik Pandya was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the IPLs Code of Conduct, which pertains to abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match, the IPL said in a statement.”

Hardik Pandya demerit point details from Eden Gardens IPL match

The IPL said the incident happened on the fourth ball of the 10th over. It occurred in the second innings of the match. Hardik Pandya knocked the bails off with force while walking back. The match referee reviewed the matter and applied the set sanction.

Hardik Pandya admitted the breach and accepted the punishment. Match Referee Rajiv Seth imposed the sanction. The IPL also noted the wider penalty system for repeat offences. Players who collect four to seven demerit points face a one-match suspension under IPL rules.

Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians IPL season

Mumbai Indians, five-time champions, are already out of the play-off race this season. The team has won only four matches during a difficult campaign. Mumbai Indians will complete the current edition on Sunday. The last league match is against Rajasthan Royals.

With inputs from PTI