IPL 2025: Digvesh Rathi Suspended After On-Field Spat With Abhishek Sharma During LSG vs SRH Match

Digvesh Rathi has been handed a one-match suspension by the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council following repeated breaches of the tournament's Code of Conduct during the LSG vs SRH clash on Monday.

This action comes after multiple incidents, including an on-field spat with Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma during the match.

The IPL confirmed that Rathi had already been penalised twice earlier in the season for his over-the-top celebrations following wicket-taking moments. However, tensions escalated during LSG's encounter with SRH when Rathi engaged in a verbal confrontation with Sharma. The altercation required the intervention of on-field umpires and fellow players to defuse the situation.

Following the incident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) found Rathi guilty of a third Level 1 offence this season under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct. As a result, he has been fined 50 percent of his match fee and will miss LSG's upcoming match against Gujarat Titans on May 22 in Ahmedabad.

In a statement released by the IPL, it was noted: "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."

"As he now has Five Demerit Points this season - which result in a one-game suspension - Digvesh will now be suspended for LSG's next game - against Gujarat Titans on May 22, 2025 in Ahmedabad."

SRH's Abhishek Sharma was also penalised for his role in the confrontation. The BCCI fined the left-hander 25 percent of his match fee for his breach of the code under Article 2.6-his first such offence this season.

The official statement regarding Sharma read: "Abhishek Sharma, All-rounder, Sunrisers Hyderabad has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team's match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Monday. This was his first Level 1 offence under Article 2.6 this season and hence, he has accumulated One Demerit Point."

"For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding."

Both players now carry demerit points, which could result in further sanctions if additional infractions occur.