Lucknow Super Giants' Digvesh Singh Rathi Suspended for Code of Conduct Breach

In a recent IPL match, Lucknow Super Giants' bowler Digvesh Singh Rathi has been suspended for one match after accumulating five demerit points due to multiple breaches of the Code of Conduct. This decision follows a heated incident involving Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma, who was also fined for his actions during the game. Rathi's suspension means he will miss the upcoming match against the Gujarat Titans, while Sharma faces penalties for his first offence of the season. The situation escalated after Sharma's dismissal, leading to a verbal confrontation that required umpire intervention. Both players now face the consequences of their actions.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2025, 10:54 IST

Digvesh Singh Rathi Faces Suspension

Digvesh Singh Rathi, a bowler for the Lucknow Super Giants, has been handed a one-match suspension after accumulating his fifth demerit point during a recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) announced this decision through an official statement, indicating that Rathi's actions constituted a Level 1 violation under Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct.

This latest infraction resulted in a fine of 50% of his match fee and two additional demerit points, stemming from a contentious moment involving Sunrisers batter Abhishek Sharma. This marks Rathi's third Level 1 violation this season, pushing his total to five demerit points, which triggers a suspension.

“Digvesh Singh, Bowler, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct… This was his third Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season and hence, he has accumulated Two Demerit Points,” the official statement noted.

Previously, Rathi faced penalties for similar violations against the Punjab Kings on April 1 and the Mumbai Indians on April 4. As a result of exceeding the demerit point limit, he will miss LSG's upcoming match against the Gujarat Titans on May 22, 2025, in Ahmedabad.

The IPL emphasized that the Match Referee's decision is final and binding for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Abhishek Sharma Also Penalized

In the same match, Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma was also penalized for violating the Code of Conduct. He received a fine of 25% of his match fee for a Level 1 offence under Article 2.6.

This incident marked Sharma's first offence of the season, resulting in the addition of one demerit point to his record.

“Abhishek Sharma, All-rounder, Sunrisers Hyderabad has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees… This was his first Level 1 offence under Article 2.6 this season and hence, he has accumulated One Demerit Point,” the IPL stated.

Both players' penalties arose from a verbal altercation that occurred after Sharma's dismissal, with Rathi's dramatic send-off igniting the confrontation. Umpires intervened to calm the situation. Although the two resolved their differences post-match, they must now face the repercussions of their actions.