Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi has been handed a one-match suspension by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This action comes after Rathi repeatedly breached the IPL Code of Conduct during the 2025 season. His latest offence involved a heated altercation with Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma, which escalated on the field and forced intervention from umpires and other players.
What This Means for Fans and the IPL
For fans watching the IPL, these disciplinary actions highlight the league’s strict approach to maintaining sportsmanship and professionalism.
Rathi’s suspension means he will miss LSG’s next crucial game against the Gujarat Titans on May 22, 2025, in Ahmedabad. This could impact LSG’s bowling strength and team strategy.
Repeated breaches of conduct don’t just cost players fines—they can sideline them during important matches. Rathi’s suspension is a clear message: the IPL will not tolerate poor behavior, even if it means sidelining rising stars.
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Digvesh Rathi’s Code of Conduct Violations
Digvesh Rathi has now crossed the line multiple times. According to an IPL release, this was his third Level 1 offence this season, bringing his total Demerit Points to five.
Previously, he was penalized for over-the-top wicket celebrations in matches against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians earlier in April.
The BCCI fined him 50% of his match fee and suspended him for the next match due to this accumulation. The governing body’s tough stance on Rathi’s behavior shows how seriously they take repeated misconduct.
🚨 DIGVESH RATHI SUSPENDED.
– Digvesh has been fined 50% of his match fees and suspended Vs GT.
– Abhishek Sharma also fined 25%.#DigveshRathi #abhisheksharma #IPL #LSGvsSRH pic.twitter.com/lGZMg7VRzV
— Jitesh Patel (@jitesh_fx) May 20, 2025
The On-Field Clash: Rathi vs. Abhishek Sharma
During the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, tempers flared between Rathi and SRH batter Abhishek Sharma. The confrontation got heated enough that the umpires and other players had to step in.
Abhishek Sharma was also fined 25% of his match fee and received one Demerit Point for his part in the altercation.
This incident serves as a reminder that even at the highest levels, emotions can run high. However, the IPL’s Code of Conduct is clear: respect and professionalism must come first.
This suspension of Digvesh Rathi is a wake-up call not just for him but for all players in the IPL. Celebrations are fun, but when they cross the line into disrespect, consequences follow.
For the teams, it’s a lesson in managing player behavior and maintaining discipline on the field.
If LSG wants to keep its winning streak alive, they will need to rely on other bowlers while Rathi serves his suspension. The IPL has shown that it values fair play over star power.
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