The BCCI took harsh action against Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, and Naveen-ul-Haq for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during Monday’s encounter between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. After being found guilty of a Level 2 infraction, Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100% of their match money, while Naveen-ul-Haq was fined 50% of his match fees. Gambhir, Kohli, and Naveen all admitted to their crimes and accepted their punishments.
“Lucknow Super Giants coach Gautam Gambhir has been fined 100% of his match fee for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the IPL 2023 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore,” Gambhir admitted to the Level 2 infraction under IPL Code of Conduct Article 2.21.
“During the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, match against Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Virat Kohli was fined 100% of his match fee for violating the IPL Code of Conduct.” “Kohli admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct,” the IPL stated late Monday night in a release.
Throughout LSG’s pursuit, Kohli was charged up and extra animated. It appeared to be a direct response to LSG coach Gambhir’s extravagant celebrations after they defeated RCB in the first leg earlier in the season. The RCB legend was spotted screaming, fist-pumping, and even placing his finger to his lips before telling the crowd not to be silent. It was in response to Gambhir’s’ shushing’ gesture following the last-ball thriller in Bangalore.
However, things began to heat up in the latter half of the LSG chase. Kohli had heated confrontations with LSG cricketers Amit Mishra and Naveen-ul-Haq in the 17th over, which lasted even after the match was done.
When both teams’ players lined up for handshakes, Kohli exchanged a few words with Naveen, and the Afghanistan pacer was seen brushing off Kohli after an aggressive shake of hands. LSG starter Kyle Mayers was then spotted conversing with Kohli before Gambhir arrived and pulled the left-hander away. This did not sit well with Kohli, who walked away after a brief gaze.
Gambhir, on the other hand, was not finished. He was seen on camera tossing a mouthful at Kohli. The former India opener was seen charging at Kohli several times, despite the efforts of his colleagues, notably skipper KL Rahul, to calm him down. The situation deteriorated when Gambhir broke away and came face-to-face with Kohli, who also refused to back down. The players exchanged angry words, with Kohli appearing to try to explain the situation to Gambhir.
Amit Mishra and others separated the duo. The situation did not end there. Kohli was then spotted on the sidelines having a lengthy conversation with Rahul. The LSG captain attempted to contact his Afghanistan pacer Naveen in order to resolve the situation amicably, but the right-arm seamer disregarded him and walked away. Kohli said a few more remarks before continuing his talk with Rahul.
“Lucknow Super Giants bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been fined 50% of his match fees for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.” “According to Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, Naveen-ul-Haq admitted to the Level 1 offence,” IPL added.
RCB scored 126/9 batting first on a challenging surface and then restricted LSG to 108 to win by 18 runs.