The debates around IPL 2023’s contentious Match 43 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore don’t seem to be ending, with responses from numerous former cricketers regarding the behavior on the field during the match. Virat Kohli, a player for the RCB, and Gautam Gambhir, the coach of the LSG, got into a furious dispute following the game as the players from both sides were shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. RCB had won by an 18-run margin.
The BCCI took swift action and levied significant fines against all parties. While LSG seamer Naveen-ul-Haq, who also got into a fight during the game, received a 50% fine, Virat Kohli and Gambhir received 100% of their match fees.
After the fines were imposed, there was a lot of discussion among fans about how much each player would have to pay and whether it would be deducted from their yearly salary.
Unlike international matches, the IPL match cost is calculated based on a number of factors, including the player’s auction price, his real wage (in the case of Kohli), and the number of matches the franchise plays in a season.
For instance, Kohli allegedly receives INR 15 crore from RCB per season; therefore, the number of matches RCB plays this season will determine his per-match payment, which is expected to rise if they make the playoffs.
According to sources, Virat Kohli won’t be paying the punishment out of his own pocket, as the majority of IPL franchises have a tradition of covering their players’ fines. According to an RCB source reported by Cricbuzz, “Players put their bodies on the line for the team and we respect that. As a culture, we don’t cut the fine from their salaries.”
The same is said to apply to LSG seamer Naveen-ul-Haq and coach Gambhir; hence, LSG would be paying the fines levied against Gambhir and Naveen. Since Gambhir’s salary is a confidential matter between him and the team, it is unknown how much he must pay; the figures being bandied about online are merely assumptions.
India
