Table of Contents
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken action against the Mumbai Indians (MI) for a violation of the IPL’s Code of Conduct during their match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 18th.
Mumbai Indians players accused of sending DRS review signals
The incident in question involved MI batter Suryakumar Yadav and signals allegedly coming from the dugout regarding a DRS review. A video went viral on social media, showing MI’s batting coach Kieron Pollard and player Tim David seemingly urging Surya to take a review for a wide ball decision.
Notably, in the closing moments of the 15th over, PBKS bowler Arshdeep Singh delivered a wide yorker, with Suryakumar failing to connect. Despite this, the umpire refrained from signaling it as a wide delivery. However, when the camera shifted its focus to the MI dugout, their head coach Mark Boucher was observed signaling to Suryakumar that the delivery should have been deemed wide. Furthermore, David, in tandem with batting coach Pollard, encouraged the batter to consider requesting a review by gesturing with the ‘T’ symbol using his hands.
The incident sparked debate and controversy as Suryakumar opted for the review, which, to the disappointment of PBKS interim captain Sam Curran, was upheld. The third umpire elected to reverse the initial decision, ruling it as a wide delivery. Consequently, Arshdeep was required to deliver an additional ball to conclude the 15th over, resulting in a boundary being scored.
Also READ: IPL 2024 – Preity Zinta reacts strongly on the fake claims of ‘will bet life to get Rohit Sharma’ as PBKS captain
BCCI takes action against the guilty
According to an IPL media advisory, both Pollard and David have been fined for their actions. The BCCI stated that David and Pollard’s actions constituted a Level 1 breach according to Article 2.20 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. Following their acceptance of the sanction, each player was fined 20% of their match fees.
“David and Pollard committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. David and Pollard were each fined 20 percent of their respective match fees. Both admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” read an IPL media advisory.
What does the rule say?
For the unversed, under Article 2.15 (b) of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, players engaged in the game are expressly barred from seeking assistance from individuals not actively participating on the field to decide whether to request a referral to the TV Umpire. This rule ensures the integrity of the game by preventing external influence on crucial decision-making processes during matches.
Further, it emphasizes the importance of fair play and upholding the spirit of the game, reinforcing the principle of on-field decision-making autonomy and impartiality. Any violation of this rule can result in disciplinary action as per the regulations set forth by the IPL governing body.
