The BCCI has taken disciplinary action against Tim David and Kieron Pollard of the MI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken disciplinary action against Mumbai Indians batter Tim David and batting coach Kieron Pollard for breaching 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.”

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

David and Pollard were found to have committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. Both admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. The BCCI has stated that the decision of the Match Referee in relation to Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct is final and binding.

The BCCI has not specified the reason for the penalties, but it is understood that the two players were penalised 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 occurred during the final delivery of the 15th over when Arshdeep Singh bowled a wide yorker, but Suryakumar Yadav failed to hit it. The umpire did not extend his arms to call it a wide, which was unexpected. However, the Mumbai Indians dugout decided to signal Suryakumar and Tilak to challenge the decision.

Kieron Pollard and Tim David were observed gesturing the two batters to utilise the DRS. Surya proceeded to request a review, prompting the PBKS captain, Sam Curran, to express his displeasure at the umpires' decision. The third umpire ruled in favour of Mumbai, resulting in the ball being given a wide. Arshdeep was required to bowl an additional ball, which was hit for a boundary. Some spectators alleged that the Mumbai Indians had engaged in cheating, and even accused the umpires of involvement in the incident. Social media posts labelled Mumbai Indians as cheaters.

According to Article 2.15 (b) of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, players are prohibited from seeking assistance from those seated in the dugout.

Another controversial moment was recorded during the game. In the 19th over, Curran bowled a wide Yorker which went under David's bat. It was not declared a wide, and the decision was referred upstairs. The third umpire upheld the decision in favour of the visiting team.