Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned the fine imposed on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) young pacer Harsh Rana. Aakash Chopra stressed the need for clarity regarding Harshit Rana’s one-match suspension in the ongoing 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Harshit Rana violated the Indian Premier League Code of Conduct during the match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Eden Gardens on April 29. Rana was fined 100 percent of his match fees and received a one-match ban for his aggressive sending off during his team’s final game.
The 22-year-old bowler motioned for Abishek Porel to return to the pavilion after dismissing him in the game. It is noteworthy that the pacer’s right arm was hit three times in a row by Porel before he was sent off. Rana knocked over the stumps while the batsman tried to play a scoop shot.
Some clarity would definitely help – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his views on the fine imposed on Harshit Rana. He questioned the severity of the punishment and stressed the need to provide clarity on Rana’s offenses.
“So, what exactly was the nature of Harshit Rana’s offence? A 100% match fee and a one-game ban is a bit much. Must be something really devastating!!! Some clarity would definitely help!!!” Chopra wrote.
So what exactly was Harshit Rana’s crime? A 100% match fee and a one-game ban is a bit much. Must be something really damn!!! Some clarity would definitely help!!!
– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 30, 2024
Harshit Rana picked up two wickets for 28 runs in his four overs against Delhi Capitals, who scored 153 runs in 20 overs. The Shreyas Iyer-led team chased the target with 21 balls to spare. Phil Salt scored 68 runs off 33 balls, including seven boundaries and five sixes.
Harshit Rana is the leading wicket-taker for KKR this season. The young pacer has taken 11 wickets in just eight games at an average of 24.91 and an economy rate of 9.79. He will miss KKR’s upcoming match against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 3.
Harshit Rana suspended for one match – IPL
KKR’s Harshit Rana has been fined and suspended for violating the IPL code of conduct. The IPL did not mention the reason for the harsh punishment and Rana admitted the offense and accepted the umpire’s sanction, the statement said.
“Mr Harshit Rana, Bowler, Kolkata Knight Riders, has been fined 100 percent of his match fees and suspended for one match for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 47 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens , Calcutta on April 29, 2024,” IPL’s statement read.
“Rana has committed a Level 1 offense under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct. He admitted the offense 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 player was previously penalized under the same level and article of the IPL Code of Conduct,” The explanation continued.
During KKR’s match against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Harshit Rana had a staredown with Mayank Agarwal and blew him a flying kiss after dismissing him. Rana also celebrated aggressively after taking Heinrich Klaasen’s wicket. As a result, he was fined 60 percent of his match fees.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: ‘If you ignore Shivam Dube…’ – Aakash Chopra warns Rohit Sharma, Ajit Agarkar