IPL 2025: Digvesh Singh Suspended, Abhishek Sharma Fined After LSG vs SRH Match

Digvesh Singh Suspended for Code of Conduct Breach; Abhishek Sharma Also Fined Following LSG vs SRH Clash

Lucknow, 20 May 2025 – The Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced disciplinary action against Digvesh Singh of Lucknow Super Giants and Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad, following Match 61 of IPL 2025, played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The match, which saw Sunrisers Hyderabad register a thumping six-wicket win, has now made headlines for disciplinary reasons. In an official IPL Media Advisory, the league confirmed that both players breached the IPL Code of Conduct, resulting in monetary fines, demerit points, and in one case, a suspension.

Digvesh Singh’s Repeat Offence Results in Suspension

Digvesh Singh, the emerging left-arm spinner for LSG, has been fined 50% of his match fee and handed a one-match suspension after committing his third Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct this season. The article pertains to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon their dismissal.”

This specific incident during the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad added two demerit points to Singh's tally. He had already accumulated three demerit points earlier in the season one during the match against Punjab Kings on April 1, and two more during the game against Mumbai Indians on April 4.

According to IPL guidelines, accumulation of five demerit points in a single season triggers an automatic one-match suspension. As a result, Digvesh Singh will miss Lucknow Super Giants’ upcoming fixture against Gujarat Titans scheduled for May 22 in Ahmedabad.

The decision was made by the Match Referee, whose ruling is final and binding for all Level 1 offences. The nature of the incident during the SRH match has not been publicly detailed, but the accumulated violations now leave Singh walking a tightrope for the remainder of the season, should LSG progress to the playoffs.

Abhishek Sharma Fined for Separate Code Violation

On the other end, Abhishek Sharma, the dynamic all-rounder from Sunrisers Hyderabad, was also found guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct, though the severity was lower. Sharma has been fined 25% of his match fee for his first Level 1 offence under Article 2.6, which relates to “excessive appealing during an international or domestic match.”

This is Sharma’s first demerit point of the 2025 season, and while it does not affect his availability for future matches, the accumulation of further points could prove consequential if similar behaviour is repeated. The Match Referee again ruled on the penalty, with no appeal or review process applicable for Level 1 breaches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, currently in strong form and contending for a top-two finish, will be hoping their in-form all-rounder avoids further infractions heading into the crucial final leg of the league stage.

What This Means for LSG and SRH

For Lucknow Super Giants, Digvesh Singh’s absence is a blow ahead of their crucial clash against Gujarat Titans. While Singh may not be a headline name, his tidy spells in the middle overs and growing reputation as a wicket-taking option have given LSG flexibility in their bowling department.

With pressure building on playoff hopefuls, such suspensions can be disruptive in both morale and tactical balance. LSG will now likely look towards their bench possibly bringing in Shahbaz Ahmed or another spin-bowling all-rounder to fill the gap against GT.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, who comfortably chased down LSG’s total of 205 in just 18.2 overs, will continue their campaign with an eye on maintaining discipline on the field, especially from their younger core like Sharma, who continues to impress with the bat.