Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli finds himself embroiled in controversy yet again, this time for his social media activity amidst a heated debate over umpiring decisions in the IPL. The star cricketer has sparked outrage by liking a post on Instagram that criticizes the inconsistency in umpiring judgments involving former India captain MS Dhoni. The incident occurred following Kohli’s contentious dismissal during the match between RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.
The Umpiring Debacle: Kohli’s Dismissal and the Fallout
Kohli’s dismissal during the encounter with KKR ignited a storm of controversy when he was caught and bowled by KKR’s Harshit Rana under disputed circumstances. The RCB captain vehemently argued that the delivery should be deemed a front-foot no ball, citing its height above waist level. However, the match officials disagreed with Kohli’s assessment, leading to his premature departure from the crease.
Mohammed Kaif’s Support and Kohli’s Social Media Activity
In the wake of Kohli’s dismissal, former cricketer Mohammed Kaif took to social media to express solidarity with the RCB captain. Kaif’s post highlighted what he perceived as a double standard in umpiring decisions, contrasting Kohli’s dismissal with instances involving MS Dhoni. Specifically, Kaif pointed out a recent incident where a delivery that passed under Dhoni’s bat was declared wide, despite the availability of advanced technology for decision-making.
Remarkably, Kohli’s involvement in the controversy did not end with his on-field dissent. The RCB stalwart further fueled the debate by liking Kaif’s post on Instagram, thereby endorsing its criticism of umpiring inconsistencies. This action sent shockwaves across social media platforms, with fans and pundits alike weighing in on Kohli’s controversial move.
Repercussions: Kohli’s Fine and BCCI’s Response
However, Kohli’s endorsement of the controversial post came at a cost. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly responded to Kohli’s actions by imposing a fine equivalent to 50% of his match fees. The disciplinary action was taken for Kohli’s breach of the IPL Code of Conduct, particularly for displaying dissent towards the umpire’s decision during the match against KKR.
An official statement issued by the IPL confirmed the sanction against Kohli, stating, “Mr. Virat Kohli, Batter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 36 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 21, 2024.”
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