On-field Spats in IPL: Sunil Gavaskar Suggests Stricter Punishments to Deter Future Incidents
Sunil Gavaskar, the former India cricket captain, expressed disappointment at the recent on-field altercation between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir during an IPL match on May 1, 2023. Gavaskar called for striated punishments, including potential suspensions, to discourage similar incidents from happening in the future. He cited the increased aggression among players due to TV broadcasting as a contributing factor.
While acknowledging sledging duels during his time as a cricketer, Gavaskar stressed that the line was rarely crossed to the extent seen in the Kohli-Gambhir altercation. The two players were fined 100% of their match fees for their heated exchange at the Shri Atal Bihrri Vajpayee Stadium. The spat erupted after Mohammed Siraj and Lucknow Super Giants’ tail-ender Naveen-ul-Haq had a heated exchange during a match.
During the customary handshake, Kohli and Naveen shared a frosty handshake, after which Gambhir and Kohli exchanged words. Gambhir was also seen pulling away LSG batter Kyle Mayers, who was talking to Kohli.
Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes Heavy Fines for IPL On-Field Spats, Suggests Stricter Punishments
Reacting to the recent altercation between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir during an IPL match, former India cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed his concern about the hefty fines players are facing for such incidents. He questioned the effectiveness of a 100% match fee fine and the impact on players like Kohli, who earn a significant amount per match. Gavaskar suggested suspending players for a few matches as a more effective deterrent.
He also noted the increased aggression among players due to the constant media attention and exposure of their actions on TV. Gavaskar called for measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur and suggested that penalties should also harm the teams involved.
Kohli and Gambhir were charged with Level 2 offenses by the IPL organizing committee after their heated exchange during the match.