Munaf Patel Fights with Fourth Umpire on Sidelines of DC vs RR IPL Match, BCCI Takes Action

In a viral video, former India pacer Munaf Patel was seen engaging in an animated discussion with the fourth umpire. He uses numerous hand gestures.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken strict action against Delhi Capitals‘ bowling coach Munaf Patel for a heated argument with the fourth umpire during DC’s IPL 2025 home match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. Munaf, a former India pacer, has been fined 25% of his match fees. Additionally, he was given one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

What Exactly Happened Between Munaf Patel and the Umpire?

“Munaf Patel, Bowling Coach, Delhi Capitals, has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated 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,” BCCI stated in a release.

BCCI confirmed that Munaf was guilty of a Level 1 offence, with the match referee’s decision being final. “Munaf Patel admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 – which relates to conduct contrary to the spirit of the game – and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” the release added.

Munaf got into an argument with the fourth umpire during the DC vs RR match. In a video circulating on social media, the former pacer appears to have a heated conversation with the umpire, gesturing animatedly. The exact reason behind the altercation remains unclear, but it likely revolved around Munaf’s request to send a 12th man onto the field with drinks to pass on some instructions to DC players.

Munaf Patel’s Playing Career and Coaching Role

Munaf, a key member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, played international cricket from 2006 to 2011. Over 13 Tests, he took 35 wickets at an average of 38.54. In 70 ODIs, he claimed 86 wickets at 30.26, with his best figures of 4/29. He also bagged 4 wickets in 3 T20Is at 21.50. Munaf took 11 wickets in the 2011 World Cup alone.

In the IPL, Munaf represented three teams: Rajasthan Royals (2008–2010), Mumbai Indians (2011–2013), and Gujarat Lions (2017). He played 63 IPL matches, taking 74 wickets at an average of 22.95 and an economy rate of 7.51. His best IPL performance was 5/21. Injuries eventually took a toll on his career, leading to his retirement in 2018.

Munaf replaced James Hopes as the bowling coach after DC revamped their support staff at the end of last season.

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