Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has landed in fresh trouble after his team’s crushing four-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their recent IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (May 20).
It was Hardik’s comeback match after missing four games because of a back issue in the ongoing IPL 2026. But the Indian all-rounder ended up messing up things as he was handed a heavy punishment for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during KKR’s run chase at Eden Gardens.
Hardik Pandya punished after an angry outburst in KKR vs MI IPL 2026 clash
The incident unfolded on the fourth ball of the 10th over in the second innings when Hardik Pandya, while walking back to begin his run-up, angrily smashed the bails off the stumps with force. His act prompted the match officials to take disciplinary action against the Mumbai Indians captain.
The IPL Governing Council confirmed that Hardik breached Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, for which he was fined 10% of his match fees. Along with the fine, Hardik has also received one demerit point on his disciplinary record.
Hardik Pandya accepts the sanction imposed by Match Referee
The IPL stated in a media release: “Hardik Pandya, Captain, Mumbai Indians (MI), has been fined 10% of his match fee and has also accumulated one Demerit Point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during Match No. 65 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday.
Hardik Pandya was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match.” Hardik Pandya admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by Match Referee – Rajiv Seth.”
More to follow…..
