IPL 10: Sandeep Sharma reprimanded for arguing with umpire

Kings XI Punjab pacer Sandeep Sharma has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for having an on-field argument with the umpire during the match against Gujarat Lions. The Kings hosted the Lions in the match 47 of the season at Mohali. It was during the match when Sharma was seen losing his temper and getting involved in an unwanted discussion with the match official.

Kings XI Punjab lost the match by 6 wickets and that has pretty much brought the curtains down on their campaign this season. They will now have to depend on the results of the other fixtures in order see their mathematical chances of qualifying for the playoffs stay alive. During the course of the game, Sandeep Sharma was found guilty of breaching the article 2.1.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct for players.

This particular article relates to the offense of having a prolonged discussion or argument with the umpire pertaining to his decision. The article states, “arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the umpire about his decision. It shall not be a defense to any charge brought under this article to show that the umpire might have, or in fact did, get any decision wrong”.

Talking about the incident, Sandeep Sharma changed sides from over the wicket to round the wicket during the fifth over of the Gujarat Lions innings. The batsman, Dwayne Smith, opted to stand wider from the crease. After Sharma bowled the delivery, umpire A Nand Kishore ruled the ball as a no ball delivery. The umpire opined that Sandeep Sharma did not inform the umpire about switching sides.

On the contrary, Sharma argued that he had actually informed the umpire about his switching sides. This led to an extended discussion which did not look too good on camera. As per the recent media release, Sandeep accepted the charge.

“Mr Sharma admitted to the Level 1 offence 2.1.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials and accepted the sanction, as such there was no need for a formal hearing,” the IPL media release stated.