Veteran Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Ishant Sharma has been fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct during the team’s recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad.
The penalty was imposed for violating Article 2.2 of the IPL Code, which pertains to the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match.” This rule covers acts such as kicking or hitting the stumps or damaging advertising boards or dressing room property, typically out of frustration.
The IPL stated, “Article 2.2 applies to actions outside of standard cricket play—such as intentionally or recklessly damaging fixtures, including advertising boards or equipment. For example, swinging a bat in frustration that causes damage constitutes a breach.”
Tough season so far for Ishant
Ishant accepted the Level 1 offense and the sanction imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath.
In the match, Ishant had a tough outing, conceding 53 runs in four wicketless overs. Despite being entrusted with the new ball, he struggled to make an impact, delivering a number of loose deliveries on a pitch where others found success. He was later subbed out after 13 overs, with Sherfane Rutherford replacing him.
The 2025 season hasn’t been kind to the seasoned seamer, who has given away 107 runs in just eight overs across three matches, managing only one wicket– that of Rajat Patidar. While GT have gained momentum in recent games, Ishant is still searching for form and consistency.