LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi suspended for one match after on-field clash with Abhishek Sharma

In a major setback for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), spinner Digvesh Rathi has been suspended for one match following an on-field altercation with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Abhishek Sharma during their recent IPL encounter at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Also read: IPL 2025 resumes with renewed ad frenzy, surging rates for key matches

The incident unfolded when Rathi celebrated a wicket with a provocative "notebook" gesture directed at Sharma. The celebration sparked a heated exchange between the two players, prompting on-field umpires and teammates to intervene and defuse the situation.

The IPL governing body confirmed that Rathi was found guilty of breaching the league’s code of conduct for the third time this season. He has been handed a one-match suspension and fined 50% of his match fee. He will now miss LSG’s crucial match against Gujarat Titans on May 22 at 7:30 PM.

Rathi had previously accumulated three demerit points for excessive celebrations during matches against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. The latest incident adds two more demerit points, bringing his total to five — crossing the threshold for a suspension.

Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma has also been penalized for his role in the confrontation. He has been fined 25% of his match fee for retaliating during the altercation.

The IPL governing body emphasized maintaining discipline and sportsmanship as the tournament heads into its final stages.