The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken strict action against Mumbai Indians batter Tim David and batting coach Kieron Pollard for breaking the rules against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League 2024.

“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,” BCCI said.

David and Pollard were fined 20% of their match fees after they accepted the charges.

“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,” BCCI said.

The apex body of Indian cricket didn’t specify the reason. Still, it was clear that the two were penalized for signalling Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma to go for DRS for a wide call during the 15th over of the MI innings.

The incident happened during the last delivery of the 15th over when Arshdeep Singh bowled a wide yorker, but Suryakumar Yadav failed to hit it. The umpire didn’t stretch his arms to call it a wide, which surprised SKY. However, the dugout of Mumbai Indians decided to signal Suryakumar and Tilak to challenge the decision. Kieron Pollard and Tim David were seen gesturing the two batters to go for DRS.

Surya went for the review, and PBKS captain Sam Curran was miffed that the umpires allowed it. The third umpire ruled in favour of Mumbai, and the ball was given a wide. Arshdeep had to bowl an extra ball, which was hit for a boundary. Fans accused the MI of cheating and even slammed the umpires for their involvement in the act. Mumbai Indians were called cheaters on social media.

According to Article 2.15 (b) of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, a player is not allowed to seek assistance from the players and officials sitting in the dugout.

Another controversial moment was recorded in the game. Curran bowled a wide Yorker, which went under David’s bat in the 19th over. It was not declared wide, and Tim decided to go upstairs. The third umpire once again ruled in favour of the visiting team.

Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody lambasted the poor umpiring standards. “It’s time we considered having specialist 3rd umpires, too many questionable decisions being made. Some umpires are better suited on field, the 3rd umpire requires experience and a certain skill set,” he wrote on X.

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