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IPL 2025 umpires have been asked to be more lenient on player celebrations after criticism.
Digvesh Rathi celebrating after taking a wicket for LSG in IPL 2025. (AP Photo)
The weekly review meeting amongst the umpires from the Indian Premier League for the 2025 edition saw a number of changes being made, and one of them is regarding the fines being handed out to players for their celebrations.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the umpires have been asked to be more lenient when it comes to player celebrations after the match officials were criticised for finding the uncapped star for Lucknow Super Giants twice for his ‘notebook’ celebration.
Big name stars like Sunil Gavaskar were critical regarding the officials fining the uncapped star, especially on the second instance where the former cricketer believes that the bowler was not invading the batter’s personal space.
The first incident took place when Rathi got Priyansh Arya out in the LSG vs PBKS match, whilst the second took place in the LSG vs MI match when the bowler got Naman Dhir out as well.
Due to him being fined, the spotlight has been on the player, considering that he was just brought in the auction for just Rs 30 Lakh.
Players will certainly get a major relief regarding the celebrations, but it remains to be seen if they will showcase a much better variety of celebrations to help light up the game once again.
But Gavaskar questions if there will be a time when Indian cricketers will be remembered for their original celebrations, but has called for more of a story behind these gestures.
“Yes, cricket can do with something different and unique, but the celebration also needs a context. Will we see some unique fresh ones before the tournament ends?” Gavaskar asked in his column for the Mid-Day.
Rathi will likely be in action for LSG once again when they take on the Rajasthan Royals in an away fixture on April 19, 2025 (Thursday). The franchise has been punching above their weight, albeit with a depleted bowling attack and will look to push for a spot in the top four with a win over the Royals. So far, they have won four games and lost three in the seven games played so far, but the top four spots remain up for the taking, and Rishabh Pant’s side will be eyeing that and possibly more if things go well.
