MI vs KKR: Jay Shah's BCCI taken down brutally by Aakash Chopra after Harshit Rana gets banned

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned the fine imposed on young Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harsh Rana. Aakash Chopra emphasized the need for clarity regarding the one-match suspension of Harshit Rana in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

Harshit Rana breached the Indian Premier League's Code of Conduct during their match against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Eden Gardens on April 29. Rana was fined 100 percent of his match fees and received a one-match ban for his aggressive send-off during his team’s recent match.

The 22-year-old bowler gestured for Abishek Porel to return to the pavilion after dismissing him in the match. Notably, the right-arm pacer was hit for three successive boundaries by Porel before the dismissal. Rana knocked over the stumps while the batter attempted to play a scoop shot.

Some Clarity Would Definitely Help - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his perspective on the fine imposed on Harshit Rana. He questioned the severity of the punishment, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding Rana's offense.

"So, what exactly was the nature of Harshit Rana’s offence? 100% match fee and one-match suspension is a bit much. Must be something really damning!!! Some clarity would definitely help!!!" Chopra wrote.

So, what exactly was the nature of Harshit Rana’s offence? 100% match fee and one-match suspension is a bit much. Must be something really damning!!! 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 the Delhi Capitals, who managed to score 153 runs in 20 overs. The Shreyas Iyer-led team chased down 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 joint leading wicket-taker for KKR this season. The young pacer has taken 11 wickets in just eight matches at an average of 24.91 and an economy rate of 9.79. He will miss KKR's upcoming match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 3.

Harshit Rana Suspended For One Match - IPL

Harshit Rana of KKR was fined and banned for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. The IPL did not specify the reason for the harsh penalty, and Rana admitted to the offense and accepted the Match Referee's sanction, according to the statement.

"Mr Harshit Rana, Bowler, Kolkata Knight Riders has been fined 100 per cent of his match fees and suspended for one match for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 47 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 29, 2024," IPL's statement read.

"Rana committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence 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 earlier penalised under the same level and article of the IPL Code of Conduct," the statement continued.

During KKR's match against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Harshit Rana engaged in a staredown with Mayank Agarwal and blew a flying kiss after dismissing him. Rana also celebrated aggressively after claiming 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

Read More: 

• IPL 2024 Points Table