BCCI Issues Strict Penalty Over Harshit Rana’s Controversial Send-off to Mayank Agarwal
Kolkata Knight Riders’ fast bowler Harshit Rana, hailed as a hero for his decisive final over in the thrilling four-run victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad, faced repercussions for his unsportsmanlike conduct towards Mayank Agarwal. Rana’s gesture of blowing a flying kiss to Agarwal after dismissing him incurred the wrath of cricket fans on social media and prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take action.
The BCCI announced a hefty 60 percent fine on Rana for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the match held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 23. Rana was found guilty of committing two Level 1 offences under Article 2.5 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. He admitted to the charges and accepted the Match Referee’s sanctions, which included fines of 10 percent and 50 percent of his match fees for the respective offences.
Although Rana’s exuberant celebration drew criticism, Mayank Agarwal maintained composure and refrained from retaliating, preventing the situation from escalating further. However, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed disappointment in Rana’s conduct, emphasizing the need for sportsmanship and decorum in cricket, particularly in the age of television.
Despite the controversy, Rana’s match-winning performance in the final over secured victory for Kolkata Knight Riders against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Defending 13 runs, Rana dismissed Heinrich Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed within three deliveries and successfully thwarted captain Pat Cummins on the final delivery, guiding KKR to a victorious start in the season.