Fraser Stewart Addresses IPL's Pace Problem
The Indian Premier League's persistent problem with slow over-rates has drawn sharp criticism from Fraser Stewart, the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) Head of Cricket. Stewart highlighted a recent match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 12, 2026, which dragged on for four hours and 21 minutes without any weather interruptions, concluding close to midnight.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya was among several captains fined this season for slow over-rates, but these penalties appear to have little impact on the trend. Stewart, who witnessed the game firsthand, described the pace as "incredibly slow, with numerous stoppages."
Lack of Urgency and Commercial Interruptions
Stewart pointed to a distinct lack of urgency among players and officials. He observed constant movement on and off the pitch, stating, "There was no urgency." While acknowledging the hotter conditions requiring drink breaks, he found the frequency of interruptions excessive.
Beyond player behavior, Stewart identified structural issues, particularly the role of umpires and commercial interests. He suggested umpires were allowing the slow pace, possibly influenced by the financial incentives of advertising. "When every break is an advertising potential for the billions that are watching, you can see why," Stewart remarked, citing strategic timeouts as an example of commercial breaks extending game duration.
Proposed Solutions: Fines and Time Limits
To combat the issue, Stewart proposed implementing stricter regulations. He referenced 'The Hundred' competition in England, where a 60-second clock begins after a wicket falls, with a five-run penalty if the next batter isn't ready. While acknowledging the different conditions, he advocated for similar urgency.
Stewart also suggested increased accountability for umpires. He noted that existing laws allow warnings and five-run penalties, but umpires are often reluctant to enforce them. "One suggestion is to fine umpires if over-rates are poor – that might ensure games move along," he proposed.
The MCC cricket head also extended his suggestions to Test cricket, proposing time-linked penalties. "For instance, you must complete 30 overs before lunch. If you don’t, your lunch break gets shortened. Measures like these could speed things up considerably," he explained.
Beyond T20: A Universal Issue
Stewart emphasized that slow over-rates are not exclusive to T20 cricket or the IPL. He highlighted similar problems in Test cricket in England, where teams often bowl only 73-74 overs in over six hours, with umpires failing to act.
He contrasted this with county cricket, where teams manage to bowl 96 overs a day efficiently. Stewart concluded that the issue is widespread across formats, stemming from a general lack of urgency in implementing rules designed to keep the game flowing.