Cricket fans were in for a surprise during the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) clash in IPL 2025. Not just because of the nail-biting performance on the ground, but also due to a development off the field — LSG captain Rishabh Pant was fined for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.
If you’re wondering what happened and what it means, don’t worry — we’ve got the full story laid out simply right here. Let’s take a closer look.
What Exactly Happened During the LSG vs MI Match?
The match in question was the 16th game of the IPL 2025 season, held between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. While the game itself saw brilliant performances, things took a slightly controversial turn.
Rishabh Pant, leading the LSG side, was found guilty of a minor breach of the IPL Code of Conduct under Article 2.22. The IPL released an official statement confirming this after the match concluded.
Additionally, Digvesh Singh, Bowler, Lucknow Super Giants has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Mumbai Indians at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday.
This was his second Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season and hence, he has accumulated Two Demerit Points, in addition to One Demerit Point which he accumulated during LSG’s match against Punjab Kings on April 01, 2025.
Why Are Match Fees Deducted?
Good question! In cricket, players earn a match fee on top of their full-time contracts. So when players break the rules — even minor ones — deducting a portion of this fee serves as both a punishment and a deterrent.
It’s similar to how you might get a speeding ticket — not enough to bankrupt you, but enough to make you think twice next time you’re driving down the freeway.
What Does This Mean for Digvesh Singh and LSG?
Since it’s a Level 1 offense and he accepted the penalty, there won’t be any further consequences unless similar breaches happen again. It’s always good when players admit their mistakes quickly — it helps maintain respect among fans, teammates, and the authorities.
Has This Happened to Other Players Too?
Absolutely. Breaches of the Code of Conduct are not uncommon in competitive sports — even in cricket, which is often called the “gentleman’s game.” Over the years, we’ve seen players from all countries and franchises getting fined or warned for various reasons.
- MS Dhoni was fined in previous seasons for slow over-rates.
- Virat Kohli has been reprimanded for on-field conduct earlier in his career.
- Gautam Gambhir once clashed with players and was penalized.
These incidents remind us that players are human too — passionately involved in the game and occasionally prone to emotional reactions.
What is the IPL Code of Conduct Really About?
At its heart, the IPL Code of Conduct is designed to keep the league fair, respectful, and in line with the spirit of cricket. It covers a range of issues, from on-field behavior to slower over rates and even off-field conduct.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main goals of the Code of Conduct:
- Ensure fair competition – No unfair advantages or cheating.
- Uphold respect – For umpires, fans, and fellow players.
- Set a good example – Especially for young fans watching worldwide.
After all, cricket is not just a sport — it’s a culture, a legacy, and a part of life in many countries, especially in India.
Can This Affect Team Performance?
In the short term? Probably not. But repeated violations can lead to suspensions or other disruptions, which can throw a team’s balance off track. Thankfully, that’s unlikely to happen in this case since Rishabh Pant has a fairly clean track record.
Still, it’s a wake-up call — not just for the player involved, but for the entire team. Sometimes, it reminds everyone to keep their cool, even in pressured situations.
Final Thoughts: A Minor Misstep in a Major League
While the news of Rishabh Pant’s fine caught many fans off-guard, it’s important to view it in the right context. Players operate under immense pressure, and small missteps are bound to happen now and then.
What makes a player truly professional isn’t whether they make mistakes but how they handle them. In this case, Rishabh Pant did the right thing by accepting the penalty — showing maturity and leadership.