Dinesh Karthik punished for breaching Indian T20 League's code of conduct

Dinesh Karthik has been punished for breaching the Indian T20 League's code of conduct during the eliminator game between Bangalore and Lucknow. The keeper-batter was seemingly heard shouting curse words on the stump microphone on Thursday.

The Indian T20 League issued an official statement notifying of Karthik's violation. According to the statement, the wicket-keeper batsman admitted to the level one offence.

"Dinesh Karthik from Royal Challengers Bangalore has been reprimanded for breaching the TATA Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct during his team’s Eliminator match against Lucknow Super Giants on May 25^th at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Mr. Karthik admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding," read the statement.

Article 2.3 specifies that any insulting statements heard in any language might be penalised. "Article 2.3 covers the use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene and/or profane (in any language) and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing public whether by way of the stump-microphone or otherwise. This conduct may include, for example, swearing in frustration at one’s own play or fortune," Level 1 Offence, 2.3 of the Indian T20 League states.

In the meantime, the 36-year old played a brilliant knock along with Rajat Patidar in the match against Lucknow. Patidar (112 runs in 54 balls) scored a century, while Karthik played a quick cameo of 37 runs in 23 balls to guide the team to a total of 207 runs. The bowling lineup followed it up with a decent performance. Despite some good performances by the Lucknow batters, failed to chase their target. As a result, Bangalore were successfully able to defend their total by 14 runs.

The Faf du Plessis-led side will now play against Rajasthan in the second qualifier. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the match on the 27th of May. On the other hand, Gujarat have already qualified to play in the final on the 29th of May at the same venue.