BCCI Faces Backlash As Digvesh Rathi Gets One-match Ban While Abhishek Sharma Escapes With Fine In IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has once again found itself at the center of a controversy—not due to a thrilling finish or a record-breaking performance—but because of what many fans perceive as inconsistent disciplinary actions by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The recent altercation between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Abhishek Sharma has ignited a firestorm on social media, with critics accusing the BCCI of exhibiting a bias in its punitive measures.

The Incident: Rathi vs. Sharma

During a high-stakes match between LSG and SRH at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, tensions flared in the eighth over of SRH’s innings. Digvesh Rathi dismissed Abhishek Sharma and celebrated with his trademark “notebook” gesture—a move where he mimics writing in a notebook, ostensibly adding the batter’s name to his list of wickets. This act, perceived as mocking, led to a heated exchange between the two players, prompting umpire Michael Gough to intervene and separate them .

BCCI’s Disciplinary Actions

Following the incident, the BCCI handed Rathi a one-match suspension and fined him 50% of his match fee, citing it as his third Level 1 breach of the IPL Code of Conduct under Article 2.5. This accumulation of offenses led to an automatic suspension, as per the league’s regulations .

In contrast, Abhishek Sharma received a comparatively lenient punishment—a 25% fine of his match fee and a single demerit point, marking his first offense under the code .

Public Outcry and Allegations of Bias

The disparity in punishments has not gone unnoticed. Fans and cricket pundits alike have taken to social media to express their discontent, accusing the BCCI of exhibiting a pattern of harshness towards bowlers while being lenient with batters. Many have pointed out that similar aggressive behaviors by prominent batters have often gone unpunished or received minimal sanctions.

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has also weighed in on the matter, criticizing the BCCI for its inconsistent disciplinary actions. He highlighted that while Rathi’s initial “notebook” celebration warranted a penalty due to its proximity to the batter, subsequent instances where Rathi maintained a respectful distance still resulted in fines, raising questions about the consistency of the enforcement .

The ‘Notebook’ Celebration: A Double-Edged Sword

Rathi’s “notebook” celebration has been a recurring point of contention throughout the season. Initially inspired by a friendly pact with Punjab Kings batter Priyansh Arya, the gesture quickly drew the ire of the BCCI. Rathi faced fines of 25% and 50% of his match fees in separate matches for this celebration, accumulating multiple demerit points .

Despite the penalties, Rathi continued with his signature move, albeit with modifications. In a match against Kolkata Knight Riders, he adapted the celebration by mimicking writing on the grass instead of in the air, attempting to comply with the BCCI’s expectations while maintaining his unique style .

BCCI’s Response and Calls for Consistency

Facing mounting criticism, the BCCI has reportedly instructed umpires to exercise more discretion and leniency concerning player celebrations. This move aims to balance the enforcement of discipline with the recognition of players’ emotional expressions on the field .

However, the recent incident involving Rathi and Sharma suggests that the implementation of these directives may be inconsistent. The BCCI’s actions have reignited debates about the need for clear, consistent, and fair disciplinary standards that apply equally to all players, regardless of their role or stature.

The Rathi-Sharma altercation and the subsequent disciplinary actions have spotlighted the BCCI’s approach to maintaining decorum in the IPL. While the league’s commitment to upholding sportsmanship is commendable, the perceived inconsistencies in enforcing disciplinary measures risk undermining its credibility. As the IPL continues to grow in prominence, ensuring transparent and equitable treatment for all players will be crucial in preserving the integrity of the game.

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