Abhishek Sharma Reprimanded By BCCI, Handed Demerit Point For Code Of Conduct Breach

Kolkata: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Abhishek Sharma was handed a demerit point and a 25 per cent match-fee fine following a sanction confirmed by the Indian Premier League (IPL) after their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday. Abhishek soared back to form in the match, scoring 48 runs off 21 balls, courtesy of 4 sixes and 4 fours. While his performance in the match enthralled fans, it was his conduct that left the officials disappointed. Though the official IPL statement did not specify the exact incident, it noted that the opening batter admitted to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.3, which pertains to the use of audible obscenities during a match.

In its official release, the IPL stated: “Abhishek Sharma, All-rounder, Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been fined 25 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 Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday. He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 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.”

The sanction means Sharma will lose a quarter of his match earnings and now carries a demerit point on his disciplinary record. Although Level 1 offences are the least severe within the IPL’s disciplinary framework, repeated infringements can lead to stricter penalties, including suspensions.

How SRH defeated KKR
On the pitch, Heinrich Klaasen struck a fluent half-century as SRH defeated KKR by 65 runs at the iconic Eden Gardens. After being sent in to bat, Travis Head (46) and Abhishek Sharma (48) shared an explosive 82-run opening stand off just 34 balls to set a strong platform. Klaasen (52) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (39) then provided a late surge, helping SRH post a formidable total of 226 for 8.

In response, KKR were bowled out for 161 in 16 overs, with Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scoring with a 29-ball 52. For KKR, Blessing Muzarabani (4/41), Vaibhav Arora (2/47), Kartik Tyagi (1/48), and Anukul Roy (1/16) were amongst the wickets.

The SRH bowling attack was led by Jaydev Unadkat (3/21), while Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/17) and Eshan Malinga (2/14) picked up two wickets each to secure a convincing victory.