Hyderabad: Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, currently playing for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been penalised 25 percent of his match fee for breaching the league’s Code of Conduct during Sunday night’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In addition to the fine, Sharma has also been handed one demerit point.
The IPL issued an official statement confirming the incident, stating, “Ishant Sharma admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction.”
As per IPL rules, decisions regarding Level 1 breaches taken by the Match Referee are final and binding.
Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct pertains to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match.”
While the league did not disclose the specific nature of Sharma’s offense, such violations typically involve visible displays of frustration, such as striking the stumps, damaging the pitch, or throwing equipment inappropriately.
The 35-year-old fast bowler had a tough outing in the match, conceding 53 runs in his full quota of four overs without taking a wicket.
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His overall performance this season has been below par, with just one wicket to his name while giving away 107 runs across three appearances.
Sharma, who has over a decade of international experience for India, has been striving to find form in this IPL season.