Mumbai, April 23
Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Nandre Burger was fined 10 per cent of his match fees and received one demerit point for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the team's recent match against Lucknow Super Giants. RR clinched a 40-run victory after restricting the Rishabh Pant-led side to 119 in 18 overs in their chase of 160 runs.
The South Africa international admitted to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5, which relates to using language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive response from another player during the match.
During the match on Wednesday, Burger was gestured aggressively and was seen using abusive language towards LSG kipper Pant after dismissing him for a duck. He took two key wickets, including that of Mitchell Marsh, in a low-scoring match, helping RR clinch a crucial win.
"Nandre Burger, Bowler, Rajasthan Royals (RR) has been fined 10 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated One Demerit Point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team's match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Wednesday," the IPL said in a statement.
"Nandre Burger admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 - pertaining to using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a another player in the Match - and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding," it stated further.
As per the IPL Code of Conduct, the accumulation of four demerit points converts into a suspension point, resulting in a one-match ban once that threshold is reached. With these points staying on a player's record for 36 months, Burger will have to tread carefully going forward. While the governing body did not specify the exact offence, it is understood that his actions likely involved abusive language and animated gestures, particularly following Pant's dismissal.
Ravindra Jadeja's late 43* off 29 balls and a strong bowling effort by Jofra Archer helped RR secure an important win on Wednesday. RR scored 159/6, struggling at 110/6 after early setbacks from Mohammed Shami and Mohsin Khan. Jadeja formed a key late stand with Shubham Dubey (19*), boosting the innings in the final over.
In reply, LSG had a disastrous start, losing three wickets for 16 runs, including captain Rishabh Pant and Aiden Markram for ducks. Archer's 3-20 set the tone, while Nandre and Brijesh Sharma took two wickets each. Marsh scored 55 but lacked support as wickets fell regularly. Nicholas Pooran made 22, but the chase faltered after the early collapse and LSG could never get back in the game.
- IANS
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