Ashish Nehra, the head coach of Gujarat Titans, has been fined 25 percent of his match fees by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for violating the IPL code of conduct during his team’s tense three-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians. The match, which took place at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, saw GT overcoming a rain-interrupted challenge to move to the top of the points table and edge closer to securing a top-two finish.
In addition to the financial penalty, Nehra has been handed one demerit point for his conduct. A statement issued by the IPL confirmed, “He (Nehra) admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 – which pertains to the conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game – and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction.” The release also emphasized, “For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.”
Article 2.20 of the IPL Code of Conduct is intended to address actions that go against the spirit of the game, though the IPL’s statement did not disclose the specific incident that led to the penalty. However, during the rain-marred match, Nehra was visibly unsettled for a prolonged period. His frustration seemed to mount as he was seen having animated exchanges with the on-field umpires, which likely contributed to the disciplinary action.
Though not publicly detailed, Ashish Nehra’s breach adds a dramatic subplot to what was already a high-stakes encounter. The Titans’ narrow win may have put them in a stronger playoff position, but it also spotlighted the emotional pressure that even seasoned professionals like Nehra experience in critical moments.
