![Hardik Pandya and Rajeev Shukla [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776245894216_Hardik Pandya (1).jpg)
Hardik Pandya and Rajeev Shukla [Source: AFP]
The Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is currently in progress, and at the same time, concerns have started to grow around how long matches are taking. Many IPL matches are stretching beyond four hours, and slow over-rates have become a major talking point.
As a result, cricket officials are openly criticizing the situation, and a strong response has been suggested by the Head of Cricket at the MCC.
One key figure present during a particularly long match between RCB and MI at Wankhede Stadium was Fraser Stewart, the current MCC Head of Cricket. The IPL 2026 match lasted 4 hours and 22 minutes, and it clearly showed the issue.
MCC official urges for change amid growing concerns over match delays
Later, while speaking at an event in Mumbai, Stewart explained that delays during matches are becoming a serious concern. In addition, he introduced a bold idea to improve the pace of the game.
During a discussion at the Bombay Yacht Club with the Mumbai Cricket Association, Stewart explained the main reasons behind these delays. He said,
“The umpires were letting it be slow. I think it’s an umpire’s job to try to keep the game moving, but when every break is an advertising potential for the billions that are watching, you can see why,” said Stewart.
MCC official suggests to penalize IPL umpires
Stewart further explained that the rules already allow warnings and five-run penalties. However, umpires are not using these rules strictly. Therefore, he suggested a strong step to improve the situation.
He said, “The laws allow warnings and five-run penalties, but umpires are reluctant to enforce them. One suggestion is to fine umpires if over-rates are poor — that might ensure games move along,” recommended Stewart.
Stewart also shared his personal experience from the long match. He said that it became physically exhausting for those watching closely.
“We were worn out after around six-seven overs of the second innings. We just went back to the hotel and watched the last five overs in the hotel on the TV,” said Fraser. This clearly shows how tiring such long matches can become.
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IPL 2026 captains penalized yet issue persists
At the same time, several team captains have already been fined this IPL 2026 season for slow over-rates. Notably, players like Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill have faced penalties. In addition, Shreyas Iyer has been fined twice this season, including a heavy fine of INR 24 lakh during a IPL 2026 match against CSK. Even with these fines, the issue continues.
It is important to note that before IPL 2025, the BCCI made an important change in rules. Earlier, captains faced a one-match suspension after three slow over-rate offenses.
However, this rule was removed and replaced with a system of fines and demerit points that stay for 36 months. As a result, captains now face financial penalties instead of match bans.
After this change, it appears that captains have become more relaxed regarding over-rates. The fear of suspension is no longer present, and this may have reduced the urgency to complete overs on time.
Is there a rule to fine IPL umpires?
At present, there is no rule in the IPL to fine BCCI officials (umpires). Even so, the idea of penalizing umpires is a major suggestion and could change how matches are managed.
Currently, captains take most of the responsibility through fines, fielding restrictions, and possible penalty runs. At the same time, if umpires become stricter with timekeeping, it could help improve the speed and overall flow of the game.
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