Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Fined 100% Match Fees for Code of Conduct Breach
In a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir were fined 100 percent of their match fees for violating the IPL Code of Conduct. This level 2 breach was in violation of Article 2.21, which covers public acts of misconduct, unruly public behavior, and inappropriate comments that are detrimental to the interests of the game. Additionally, Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq was fined 50 percent of his match fee for a level 1 breach of the same article.
Kohli’s aggressive celebrations on the field during LSG’s batting innings, including shushing the crowd at the Ekana Stadium following the dismissal of Krunal Pandya, led to a heated exchange between him and Gambhir. Naveen was also seen having an unfriendly conversation with Kohli after the match, which escalated into a heated exchange. RCB batter Amit Mishra was also involved in a heated conversation with Kohli on the field.
The altercation between Kohli and Gambhir is not the first time these two have been involved in an ugly exchange. The two were involved in a similar incident back in 2013 when Gambhir was the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders and Kohli was leading RCB.
LSG’s loss to RCB by 18 runs didn’t help the team’s position on the points table. LSG are currently in third place, having won five out of nine games, while RCB are in fifth place.
Conclusion
The fines levied on Kohli and Gambhir, along with Naveen’s penalty, indicate that the IPL takes its Code of Conduct seriously. The incidents also highlight the need for players to maintain decorum on the field and avoid unnecessary altercations. With more games to come in the IPL, it is hoped that players will adhere to the rules and regulations of the game to avoid similar incidents in the future.
