BCCI penalizes Ishant Sharma for IPL code breach guring GT vs SRH clash

Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma found himself in hot water after a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during Gujarat Titans' (GT) recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took swift action on Monday, fining Ishant 25 percent of his match fees and awarding him one demerit point.

The incident occurred during GT’s game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday. According to the BCCI's media release, Ishant admitted to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment or ground fixtures in frustration. Since it was a Level 1 breach, the Match Referee's decision was deemed final and binding.

Article 2.2 of the Code includes acts such as deliberately or recklessly damaging stumps, advertising boards, dressing room fixtures, or other match infrastructure. While the specifics of Ishant’s action weren’t detailed, the rule encompasses any frustration-induced behavior that could cause property damage—even if accidental.

The 35-year-old pacer, playing for Gujarat Titans this season, has had a tough start to IPL 2025. Across three matches, he has conceded 97 runs without taking a single wicket. In the game against SRH alone, he gave away 53 runs—his most expensive outing so far this season.

Despite Ishant’s poor show, Gujarat Titans walked away with a convincing victory. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj led the charge with a stunning 4-wicket haul, restricting SRH to 152/8. Captain Shubman Gill then ensured an easy chase, remaining unbeaten on 61 as GT cruised to a seven-wicket win with 20 balls to spare.

Gujarat Titans have now secured three wins in their first four matches and are looking like strong contenders this season. As for Ishant, the disciplinary action serves as a reminder of the league’s zero-tolerance approach to on-field misconduct, regardless of the player’s seniority.