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Lizelle Lee Fined for WPL Code Breach After Heated Umpire Exchange

Delhi Capitals opener Lizelle Lee has been fined 10% of her match fee and given a demerit point for a Level 1 code of conduct breach in the WPL. The incident occurred after she was stumped following a lengthy third umpire review, leading to a heated exchange with on-field umpire Vrinda Rathi. Lee, who is the third-highest run-scorer this season, admitted to the offence related to abuse of cricket equipment. In a separate revelation, she expressed her desire to pursue umpiring after her playing career ends.

Key Points: WPL 2026: Lizelle Lee Fined for Code of Conduct Violation

  • Fined 10% match fee
  • One demerit point issued
  • Violation followed disputed stumping
  • Lee admits to umpiring aspirations
  • Third-highest run-scorer in WPL 2026
2 min read

WPL 2026: Lizelle Lee fined for code of conduct violation

Delhi Capitals' Lizelle Lee fined 10% match fee for breaching WPL code after a disputed stumping decision and exchange with umpire Vrinda Rathi.

"Lee admitted to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment. - WPL release"

Vadodara, Jan 21

Delhi Capitals opener Lizelle Lee has been fined 10 per cent of her match fees and given one demerit point for breaching the Women's Premier League code of conduct during Tuesday's match against defending champions Mumbai Indians at the BCA Stadium.

The wicketkeeper-batter admitted her Level 1 offence and accepted the fine. "Lee admitted to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment during the match. For Level 1 breaches, the match referee's decision is final and binding," a WPL release stated.

The incident happened during Delhi Capitals' pursuit of 155 runs against Mumbai. Their in-form batter Lee was playing really well, punishing any poor deliveries. However, in the 11th over, she was stumped out after a lengthy review by the third umpire. Lee, who missed her half-century by only four runs, was upset about the decision because replays indicated her bat briefly lifted off the crease as wicketkeeper Rahila Firdous took the bails.

After the big screen confirmed Lee was dismissed following nearly five minutes of review, she engaged in a heated exchange with on-field umpire Vrinda Rathi, resulting in a Code of Conduct violation.

After the match, Lee admitted that she wants to become an umpire post-retirement. "Look, I've started doing umpiring, I think a few years ago. I'm just trying to get into it because I'm really enjoying it. So it's something that I probably want to do after cricket. But I'm still going to play cricket for as long as I can," she said in a video posted on Women's Premier League social media.

"I know there's an Olympics in Brisbane in 2032 or something. But at this stage, I'm still focusing on my cricket. Hopefully, I can still play for a certain time," Lee added.

Lee was purchased at her base price of Rs 30 lakh in the WPL auction. She has proved to be a great player for DC. Currently, she is the third-highest run-scorer in WPL 2026. In five innings, she has scored 213 runs at an average of 42.60 and a strike rate of 154.35.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
I feel for her! Missing a fifty by just 4 runs and then getting out in such a tight stumping... anyone would be frustrated. But her dream to become an umpire is so cool! Shows she really respects the game from all angles. Hope she learns from this.
V
Vikram M
Good to see the WPL taking code of conduct seriously. Consistency is key. If an Indian player did this, they would face the same action. The league's credibility depends on fair enforcement for everyone.
A
Ananya R
She's been batting so well for DC! 213 runs already 🔥. This is just a small blip. Her focus on playing till 2032 Olympics is inspiring. Let's not make a big issue out of one moment of frustration.
D
David E
Interesting perspective from her about wanting to umpire. Maybe this incident will give her more empathy for how tough that job is! The heat of the moment got to her, but admitting the offence quickly is the right thing to do.
K
Karthik V
Respect to Vrinda Rathi for holding her ground. Our Indian umpires are world-class and shouldn't be argued with, no matter who the player is. This sets a good precedent for the women's game in India.

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