MI’s No-Ball Surprise: Little-Known IPL Rule Leads to Rare Penalty

May 22, 2025: In a dramatic turn of events during their IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, Mumbai Indians were penalized for a violation of a lesser-known rule.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Holds Umbrella For Bhogle In Post-Match Presentation-Watch Video

During the third delivery of the fifth over, Will Jacks was bowling to Vipraj Nigam when the umpire called a no-ball. The reason for the decision was a breach of fielding regulations—Mumbai Indians had just three fielders on the off-side, violating IPL’s official Match Playing Conditions, which state that there should be no more than five fielders on the on-side.

Section 28.4.1 of the IPL Match Playing Conditions clearly mentions that “At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than 5 fielders on the on-side.” This led to Mumbai Indians’ penalty, with the no-ball being called against them.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Doughty Knock Paves Way for MI Playoff Berth

Despite the confusion caused by the no-ball incident, Mumbai Indians secured a 59-run victory over Delhi Capitals, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from Suryakumar Yadav. His 73 not out—a 43-ball innings comprising seven fours and six sixes—was the defining knock of the match, leading MI to a total of 180/3 in their allotted 20 overs.

Suryakumar’s brilliance proved to be the difference as Mumbai Indians sealed the fourth and final playoff berth with the dominant win, bouncing back from last year’s failure to qualify. The five-time champions had missed the playoffs in 2024, but this performance secured their redemption.