Why Abhishek Sharma was fined despite SRH's win?

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his side’s win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

The penalty was imposed after he was found guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.3, which deals with the use of language that is “widely recognised as offensive, obscene, or profane (in any language)” and is audible to spectators or the viewing audience, including through stump microphones. The provision also covers visible expressions of frustration directed at a player’s own performance or match situation.

Despite the disciplinary action, Abhishek had a major impact on the game. The left hander smashed 48 off just 21 balls at a strike rate of 228.57, hitting 4 fours and 4 sixes. During the knock, he also became only the second player in Sunrisers Hyderabad history to reach 100 sixes for the franchise. His aggressive start played a key role in SRH’s commanding 65 run victory.

“Abhishek Sharma, all-rounder, Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team's match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday,” the statement read.

“He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 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,” it added.

Abhishek accepted the sanction, bringing the matter to a close.

While the IPL did not specify the exact moment of the offence, it is understood to have followed his controversial dismissal.

The left hander showed visible frustration after being given out when Varun Chakravarthy took a catch near the boundary. Replays checked by the third umpire raised doubts over whether the catch was clean, but the decision stood, forcing Abhishek to walk back.