RR vs MI: BCCI lashes whip on Kieron Pollard and Tim David for their obscene behaviours vs PBKS

Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Tim David and batting coach Kieron Pollard were fined for violating the Indian Premier League Code of Conduct during MI’s last IPL 2024 match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

The incident took place during a Decision Review System (DRS) appeal from Mumbai Indians (MI), which is believed to be the cause of the breach. The BCCI stated that the actions of David and Pollard fall under a Level 1 breach according to Article 2.20 of the IPL's Code of Conduct.

They accepted the sanction and were fined 20% of their match fees. BCCI took this action after a viral video of the match sparked controversy, where the Mumbai Indians (MI) team member and support staff in the dugout were seen allegedly providing illegal help to Suryakumar Yadav in asking for DRS.

BCCI sanctions Tim David and Kieron Pollard for IPL code breach

The BCCI said in an official statement: “Mumbai Indians batter Tim David and batting coach Kieron Pollard have been fined for breaching the IPL’s Code of Conduct during their team’s Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on April 18.”

The statement further reads, “David and Pollard committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. David and Pollard were each fined 20 percent of their respective match fees. Both 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.”

However, the BCCI did not reveal the details regarding the nature of the offense committed by David and Pollard. But it seems that they paid a price for their actions relating to the signals they gave to MI batter Suryakumar Yadav to review a wide call during the 15th over of the match against PBKS.

This is how the incident unfolded

Meanwhile, the controversial incident took place during the 15th over of MI’s innings, when the PBKS pacer Arshdeep Singh bowled a full and way outside off-stump delivery, close to the tramline. Facing Arshdeep, Suryakumar, who was batting at 67 off 47 deliveries, attempted to play a shot at the ball in Mullanpur.

Well, the on-field umpire signaled the ball as a legal delivery, but the Mumbai camp was not convinced by his call. As the focus shifted to the MI dugout, head coach Mark Boucher was seen gesturing to Suryakumar, indicating that the delivery was wide.

Apart from Boucher, David and Pollard were also seen encouraging Suryakumar to take a review by making the 'T' sign with their hands, which is not allowed, and now they faced consequences. Well, Suryakumar opted for the review, which led to disappointment for PBKS as the decision was overturned.

The third umpire ruled the delivery as wide, resulting in Arshdeep Singh having to bowl an extra delivery to complete the 15th over, which resulted in a boundary. At the end, MI managed to pull off a thrilling win of nine runs against the PBKS in Mullanpur on April 18.

According to Article 2.15(b) of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, a player playing on the field is not allowed to “seek assistance from any person off the field of play in order to decide whether to request a referral to the TV Umpire.”.