Both DC and their skipper were penalised for breaching Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with the minimum over-rate offence. Since it was DC’s first violation of the season, Axar was handed only a monetary fine of ₹12 lakh.
Axar is among several captains who have been fined this season for similar offences, underlining how common over-rate penalties have become in the IPL. Others include Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane (₹12 lakh), Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, and Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Despite the setback, Delhi Capitals produced a strong performance to secure a crucial three-wicket win over PBKS, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. The 2020 finalists are currently placed seventh on the points table with 10 points from 12 matches, snapping a two-match losing streak.
Axar also made a significant impact with the bat, bouncing back from a difficult season where he had averaged below 10. The left-hander played a match-winning knock of 56 off 30 balls, stabilising the chase after DC lost early wickets.
Interestingly, the DC skipper did not bowl in the match, with conditions favouring pace, leading the team to rely entirely on seamers for the full 20 overs.
Delhi Capitals now have two matches remaining in their IPL 2026 campaign. They will next face Rajasthan Royals at home before concluding their season against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday, May 24.
