Andy Flower, the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has been sanctioned for a Level 1 breach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during a fixture against Mumbai Indians. The former Zimbabwe captain was fined 15 per cent of his match fee after an incident involving the use of an audible obscenity directed towards a match official.
Incident During the Run-Chase
The altercation occurred during the 17.2nd over of Bengaluru’s innings. According to the official statement from the IPL, Flower was found to have violated Article 2.3 of the Code of Conduct, which specifically addresses the use of “audible obscenities” during play. The tension flared when Flower engaged in a heated argument with the fourth umpire regarding a controversial decision on the boundary line.
Boundary Dispute and Replay Analysis
The dispute was triggered by a shot from Mumbai Indians’ batsman Krunal Pandya off the bowling of AM Ghazanfar. The ball was struck towards the wide long-on boundary, where fielder Naman Dhir intercepted it. Fearing his momentum would carry him over the rope, Dhir released the ball towards teammate Tilak Varma.
Varma made a negligible effort to complete the catch, operating under the assumption that Dhir had made contact with the boundary cushion while releasing the ball. Believing a six would be awarded regardless, Varma did not pursue the catch with intent. However, subsequent video replays confirmed that Dhir’s foot had not touched the cushion during the manoeuvre. Furthermore, as Krunal Pandya was suffering from severe cramping, he was unable to attempt a run. Consequently, the delivery resulted in a dot ball, much to the frustration of the Bengaluru coaching staff.
Disciplinary Action and Sanction Details
Following the match, Flower admitted to the offence of “speaking aggressively” to the fourth official. Match Referee Amit Sharma subsequently issued the fine.
| Infraction Detail | Information |
| Individual Penalised | Andy Flower (Head Coach, RCB) |
| Offence Level | Level 1 |
| Article Violated | Article 2.3 (Audible Obscenity) |
| Financial Penalty | 15% of Match Fee |
| Match Referee | Amit Sharma |
Under the established IPL disciplinary framework, a Level 1 breach is handled summarily by the Match Referee. Once a participant admits to the offence and accepts the sanction, the Referee’s decision becomes final and binding. This disciplinary measure underscores the tournament’s commitment to maintaining decorum and respect towards officials on the field and in the dugout.