IPL 2018: Shivam Mavi, Avesh Khan reprimanded for code of conduct breaches

What's the story?

Kolkata Knight Riders' Shivam Mavi and Delhi Daredevils' Avesh Khan were reprimanded after giving send-offs to batsmen in the match between DD and KKR. They've admitted to a Level 1 breach of the IPL Code of Conduct.

"Both Mr. Mavi and Mr. Khan admitted to the Level 1 offence under 2.1.7 of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials and accepted the sanctions," an IPL media release stated.

In case you didn't know...

In the first match after Gambhir stepped down from captaincy, Shreyas Iyer led Delhi Daredevils to a 55-run win against KKR on Friday. He was also named the Man of the Match for a blistering 40-ball 93, majorly contributing to a grand total of 219.

The heart of the matter

In the first over after the power play, Shivam Mavi was bowling to the Daredevils' openers who had posted 57 runs without losing a wicket. Conceding just 2 runs in the over, the youngster bolted a 143-kmph delivery at Munro that hit the base of his middle-stump. After this, Mavi was seen mouthing his celebration with some words.

In the second innings, when KKR had more or less lost the game, Andre Russell was trying to help increase the NRR of the team. The Carribean all-rounder had already belted four sixes and three fours when Avesh Khan was tasked with bowling the 18th over. Avesh delivered a yorker that uprooted Russell's off-stump. He hurled some abuses at the departing batsman as well.

Thus, the two were found guilty of a Level 1 breach of the Code of Conduct, which doesn't include any fines, suspensions or bans.

What's next?

The IPL has promised to keep a close watch on the perpetrators to reduce such incidents.

While KKR will battle RCB in Bangalore, DD will take on CSK at Pune next time around.

Author's take

Ironically, this incident occurred the day after ICC's CEO, David Richardson promised to have 'stricter and heavier sanctions' for all sorts of misbehaviour in the game. But in an aggressive sport (rather than 'gentleman's game') with young blood locking horns, these 'send-offs' are unlikely to reduce.