Tim David Fined, Receives Demerit Points for Obscene Gesture After MI Clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Tim David has been fined 30 per cent of his match fee and handed two demerit points for an obscene gesture during and after his team’s IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians in Raipur .

The incident occurred following RCB’s thrilling last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians , when David was seen making an offensive gesture, reportedly including a middle finger , in the direction of the MI dugout/camp during post-match moments. The act was also captured on television broadcast , quickly drawing attention after clips circulated widely on social media.

The IPL confirmed that David breached Article 2.6 of the IPL Code of Conduct , which relates to the use of “obscene, offensive or insulting gestures.” The offence falls under a Level 1 breach , for which the match referee’s decision is final .

“Tim David was found to have breached Article 2.6 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct and has been fined 30 per cent of his match fee and awarded two demerit points,” the IPL said in an official statement. The sanction was imposed by Match Referee Amit Sharma .

The Australian cricketer admitted the offence and accepted the punishment, the statement added. As per IPL rules, Level 1 offences typically result in fines and demerit points, depending on severity.

Under IPL regulations, demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record and can accumulate over a season. If a player reaches the prescribed limit, it can lead to match suspensions .The match itself ended in a nail-biting finish , with RCB edging past Mumbai Indians on the final delivery , adding intensity to an already high-stakes encounter.

The incident has once again brought focus on player discipline and on-field conduct standards in the ongoing IPL season, where authorities have maintained strict scrutiny over behavioural breaches.