For violating the Code of Conduct during Monday's Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow, cricketers Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir were fined 100% of their match money.
During the play at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bangalore batter and the Lucknow Super Giants Team coach acknowledged to the Level 2 infraction under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct. Naveen-ul-Haq, an LSG bowler, was also penalised 50% of his match money for transgressing the code of conduct. In accordance with Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, Naveen-ul-Haq acknowledged to the Level 1 infraction.
In a fruitless effort to lead his team to victory, KL Rahul batted with a leg injury as RCB bowled LSG out for 108 after reaching 126/9 in 20 overs. During the Lucknow innings, Kohli had made his customary combative gestures to mark the removal of wickets.
After LSG's narrow victory in the previous meeting between the two teams last month, team coach Gambhir told the RCB home crowd to be quiet. When his team lost a wicket, Kohli not only kissed the Lucknow supporters, but he also imitated Gambhir by putting his finger to his lips and making the sign for silence.
The two shook hands after the game, and everything seemed to be alright. Kyle Mayers, the LSG's opening player, approached Kohli and began to chat when Gambhir arrived and snatched Mayers away. Soon after this incident, footage from the game showed Gautam Gambhir joking with Virat Kohli. Separating the two were seen other players, including KL Rahul, and support personnel. The LSG captain KL Rahul and Kohli were then spotted having a protracted conversation.
