'IPL umpires should be punished': MCC Official Raises Big Concern After 4-Hour MI vs RCB Match

The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League is being criticized for several consecutive slow games, as over rates have become a serious concern. While captains have faced fines all season, there has been a new debate that has erupted, thanks to some comments from an MCC official.

The issue gained more prominence following the Mumbai Indians-Royal Challengers Bengaluru match that was played out at the Wankhede stadium. It took four hours and 20 minutes to complete and stands as the longest time taken by an IPL match not interrupted by rain, a Super Over, or both.

Captains like Ajinkya Rahane and Hardik Pandya have already been penalized this season for slow over rates, but there is a feeling that only fining captains alone isn't working.

MCC Officials Suggest Punishing Umpires

Marylebone Cricket Club's Head of Cricket, Fraser Stewart, suggested a new idea. According to him, the umpires are to be blamed as well.

He said:

“The umpires were letting it be slow. I think it’s an umpire’s job to try to keep the game moving."

He further added that the laws are there to enable them to issue warnings, and even penalty five runs, but they were often not used. “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,” he proposed.

Stewart also mentioned that the continuous movement of people in and out of the playing field and regular commercial breaks contribute significantly to the slow game. For him, there was "no urgency" in the MI vs RCB match.

Comparison With the Hundred

Stewart drew a parallel with the T20 The Hundred tournament where the clock is followed rigorously in order to keep the game flowing.

He said:

“In The Hundred, a wicket falls and a 60-second clock starts. The next batter must be ready or the team concedes five penalty runs."

He added that while such stoppages are necessitated due to factors like heat in India, the general sluggishness persists. The extended nature of the IPL games and the stance taken by MCC will definitely mount pressure on the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) to come up with newer methods to resolve this crisis.

It will be interesting to see if the onus shifts from the captains or from the umpires but one thing is for sure: slow over rate has become a grave talking point in IPL 2026.