LSG bowler Digvesh Rathi suspended for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct

New Delhi (India) May 20: At the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday, spinner Divesh Rathi of the Lucknow Super Giants was suspended for the team's last league-stage game after receiving extra demerit points from a Code of Conduct violation after a fight with Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma.After earning five demerit points this season, he was suspended for one game and fined half of his match fees.

In the same incident, Abhishek was also punished and given a 25% fine and one demerit point for his first violation.

After Rathi dismissed Abhishek, who scored 59 off 20 balls, he performed his typical notebook celebration, starting an argument.The Sunrisers opener was upset by the angry farewell. He reacted at the sight and said certain things to Rathi, starting a heated confrontation that was broken up by the officials and teammates.

Even after the game, the mid-match fight increased, causing BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla to handle the matter.

Rathi has committed a Level 1 offence for the third time this season, earning five demerit points that subject him to a one-match suspension.

Rathi has already received two IPL penalties for his wild celebrations following his wicket-taking in LSG games.

An IPL release stated that,"This was his third Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season and hence, he has accumulated Two Demerit Points, in addition to Three Demerit Points he had accumulated earlier - One Demerit Point against Punjab Kings on April 01, 2025 and Two Demerit Points against Mumbai Indians on April 04, 2025.”

Abhishek Sharma was spotted having a long conversation with LSG assistant coach Vijay Dahiya after SRH won the match by six wickets in 18.2 overs and the traditional handshakes started. A few moments later, Abhishek and Rathi were spotted speaking again .

Abhishek confirmed that after their post-match conversation, things are now "good" with Rathi.

Aadrika Tayal