Sat Apr 19 16:50:00 UTC 2025: ## BCCI Backtracks on Cricketer’s Celebration Fine After Expert Outcry
**Mumbai, India** – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reversed course on its decision to heavily fine Lucknow Super Giants bowler Digvesh Rathi for his unique “notebook” celebration, following criticism from cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Simon Doull.
Rathi, Lucknow’s second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025, was fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point for his first celebration, a Kesrick Williams-inspired gesture, after dismissing Priyansh Arya. A repeat performance in the following match resulted in a 50% fine and two demerit points, putting him on the verge of suspension.
Gavaskar, writing in Mid Day, argued that while the initial fine was justified due to Rathi’s proximity to and apparent taunting of Arya, the second fine was excessive as Rathi was not near the batsman during the celebration. Doull, speaking on Cricbuzz, echoed these sentiments, stating that the fines were unfair and that more seasoned players had committed worse offenses without penalty. He expressed his disapproval of the BCCI making an example of a young player for a harmless celebration.
In response to the backlash, a Cricbuzz report revealed that the BCCI has instructed umpires to exercise greater leniency when judging player celebrations. This directive follows the controversy surrounding Rathi’s penalties. The BCCI’s about-face suggests a recognition that the initial punishments were overly harsh and potentially inconsistent with how similar actions by other players have been handled.
First Piper 