Virender Sehwag Criticizes BCCI Over Player Suspension Controversy
Former cricketer Virender Sehwag has voiced his discontent with the BCCI's decision to suspend Digvijay Rathi after a match incident. He argues that established players like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have faced similar controversies without any suspensions. Sehwag's comments highlight the perceived inconsistency in the BCCI's disciplinary actions, especially towards younger players. This situation raises important questions about fairness in cricket governance.
| May 29, 2025, 21:59 IST
Sehwag's Outrage Over BCCI's Decision
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has expressed his anger towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His frustration stems from the recent suspension of player Digvijay Rathi following a match incident. Sehwag pointed out that prominent players like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have never faced such penalties. The incident in question occurred during a match between Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Rathi clashed with Abhishek Sharma. After Abhishek was dismissed, Rathi gestured for him to leave the field, leading to a heated exchange between the two. Subsequently, the BCCI imposed a one-match suspension on Rathi and fined Abhishek for his conduct.
Sehwag remarked that the suspension handed to Rathi seemed excessive. He noted that in the past, major figures like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have been involved in on-field controversies without facing suspensions. Speaking to a sports news outlet, Sehwag highlighted that Rathi was playing his first IPL match, and it seemed unfair to penalize a young player while established stars have escaped similar fates. He recalled an incident from 2019 when Dhoni entered the field to confront an umpire over a no-ball decision during a Chennai Super Kings match, yet he was only fined 50% of his match fee.
Throughout his 18-year career, Virat Kohli has also had numerous on-field altercations, yet he has never been suspended. Sehwag's comments raise questions about the consistency of disciplinary actions within the BCCI.