The Indian Premier League (IPL) has handed out hefty fines to Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the Lucknow Super Giants versus Royal Challengers Bangalore match on Monday.
Kohli and Gambhir’s heated altercation
After the Royal Challengers Bangalore emerged victorious in a low-scoring thriller, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir clashed on the field, leading to a huge altercation that also saw several other players getting involved.
Although the two seemed to have made amends by shaking hands after the match, things escalated when LSG opening batter Kyle Mayers approached Kohli and said something. Gambhir intervened and took Mayers away, but tempers continued to flare up.
Later, visual footage of the game showed Gambhir and Kohli engaged in an animated discussion, with a few other players and Lucknow skipper KL Rahul separating the two.
In accordance with the IPL Code of Conduct, Kohli and Gambhir were both fined 100% of their match fees for admitting to a Level 2 offence under Article 2.21.
Furthermore, Lucknow Super Giants bowler Naveen-ul-Haq was also reprimanded for committing a Level 1 offence under the same article and was fined 50% of his match fee.
IPL statement
The IPL released a statement regarding the incident, which read: “Lucknow Super Giants’ Mentor Gautam Gambhir has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
“Mr Gambhir admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct. Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Virat Kohli has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
“Mr Kohli admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct. Lucknow Super Giants’ Bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.”
IPL has issued strict penalties to Kohli and Gambhir for their actions during the LSG vs RCB match, highlighting the importance of adhering to the IPL Code of Conduct.
The fines will serve as a reminder to all players to maintain proper decorum and show respect for their fellow players and officials.
While emotions can sometimes run high in competitive sports, it is essential to remember that maintaining sportsmanship and fair play is of utmost importance.
