"Umpires Were Letting It Be Slow": MCC Head's Huge Remark On Stretched MI vs RCB Game In IPL 2026 The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) versus Mumbai Indians (MI) match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 concluded in four hours and 22 minutes, far exceeding the typical duration of a T20 game. The contest, held at the Wankhede Stadium on April 24, 2026, was marred by frequent stoppages and delays, prompting criticism from cricket officials. Fraser Stewart, head of cricket at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), highlighted the issue during an event in Mumbai, stating that the game’s pace was unusually slow and that umpires appeared to be contributing to the delays. Stewart, who was present at the match, criticized the lack of urgency in managing the game’s flow. He noted that while the heat and the need for players to take drinks and breaks are understandable, the excessive interruptions disrupted the rhythm of the match. Comparing the situation to The Hundred, a T20 format where a 60-second clock starts after a wicket falls and teams risk penalty runs if the next batter is not ready, Stewart argued that similar measures could be implemented in the IPL to enforce faster play. The MCC official also pointed to the role of umpires in prolonging the game. He suggested that umpires should be held accountable for poor over rates, proposing fines as a deterrent. “The laws allow warnings and five-run penalties, but umpires are reluctant to enforce them,” Stewart said. “If umpires are fined for poor over rates, it might ensure games move along.” His comments came amid growing concerns about the IPL’s time management, as several matches in the tournament have exceeded the standard four-hour limit.#wankhede_stadium #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians #fraser_stewart #mcc_head
