• IPL 2023: RR's Ravichandran Ashwin fined for breaching IPL code of conduct

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    IPL 2023: RR's Ravichandran Ashwin fined for breaching IPL code of conduct
    According to Ashwin, he had never before observed the umpires replacing the ball due to an excessive amount of dew.


    Digital Desk: In breach of the IPL code of conduct during his team's encounter against Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was fined 25% of his match money on Thursday.

    In the Wednesday night match, which the Royals won by three runs, Ashwin was fined for violating Article 2.7 of the IPL's code of conduct.

    According to Article 2.7 of the IPL's Code of Conduct, "Ashwin acknowledged to the Level 1 Offence. The Match Referee's judgement is final and binding for Level 1 violations of the Code of Conduct, according to an IPL statement.

    However, Article 2.7 of the code of conduct for players and team officials refers to "public criticism of, or inappropriate comment about an incident occurring in a match or any player, team official, match official, or team participating in any match, regardless of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made." The statement did not specify the type of offense committed.

    Following the game, Ashwin expressed his confusion at the umpires' choice to replace the ball on their own due to the dew at Chepauk on Wednesday and appealed for consistency in such judgements.

    When the umpires had to intervene and replace the ball during CSK's run chase at the MA Chidambaram Stadium due to the high dew, Ashwin, who had recorded statistics of 2/25, was "surprised".

    According to Ashwin, he had never before observed the umpires replacing the ball due to an excessive amount of dew.

    "I'm a little taken aback that the umpires switched the ball for dew on their own. I'm shocked because it's never occurred before. To be honest, I'm a little confused by some of the judgements made in this year's IPL on the field," the veteran Indian player admitted during the post-game press conference.

    "I mean, (it) confused me in either a good or terrible manner. Because in my opinion, you need a little bit of balance," explained Ashwin, who was named "Player of the Match."

    We are not requesting that the ball be changed as a bowling team. However, the umpires decided to alter the ball. I did speak with the umpire, and he stated that we -- the umpires -- may alter it.
     
    "So I just hope every time there is dew they can change it every single time going forward in this IPL that sort of, you can do whatever you want, but you just need to be in a standard going forward," he added.