Amid 'DRS Cheating' Charges, MI's David, Pollard Fined Heavily by BCCI

Mumbai Indians batter Tim David and batting coach Kieron Pollard have been fined 20 percent of their respective match fees for breaching the IPL’s Code of Conduct during the game against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on April 18. The fine was imposed after a viral video of the match sparked controversy where members in the squad and support staff in the dugout of five-time champions were seen allegedly providing illegal assistance to batter Suryakumar Yadav in asking for a review.

“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,” an IPL release said on Saturday.

For anyone watching this after the copyright claim against me, here is the timeline of the cheating with pictures:
0:08 Umpire doesnt give a wide
0:16 Tim David, Boucher, Pollard see replay
0:21 they signal team to take DRS
0:31 Sam Curran protesting pic.twitter.com/u20GUBRjBw

— Ashish Sangai (@AshishFunguy) April 18, 2024

“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.” In the 15th over of MI’s innings, an Arshdeep Singh delivery was full and way outside off-stump, very close to the line. Suryakumar, who was batting on 67 off 47 deliveries, tried chasing it but the onfield umpire deemed it a legal delivery.

But TV cameras showed MI head coach Mark Boucher was gesturing to Suryakumar that it was a wide, following which David and Pollard was seen urging the right-hander to take a review, which is illegal as per rules.

Recapping the match, MI defeated PBKS by eight runs after the hosts were bowled out for 183 while chasing 193.

After the match, PBKS stand-in captain Sam Curran said it was “heart-breaking” for his team to take it close and still lose.

“This team loves a close game. Got well to get close, thanks to Ashutosh… Hopefully we can win the close ones and get the momentum,” Curran had said.

(With Added Inputs)

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