IPL 2025 to Align with ICC Code of Conduct for Better Discipline

The major cricket tournament, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is going to have some major changes in 2025 because they are beginning to use the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s rules for how players should behave. The individuals or people in charge, called the group that manages cricket in India, said yes to this plan in a meeting they had on Sunday. When the new season begins on March 23, 2025, players will need to pay much more attention to how they behave.

New Rules for IPL 2025

For the first time, the IPL is going to follow the ICC Code of Conduct when it comes to actions that are level 1, 2, or 3 offenses. This change is focused on making the tournament's rules the same as the ones used in international T20 cricket. Before, the IPL used to have its own rules only for the league, which made a special manner of handling how players behaved.

According to BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, the adoption of ICC rules signifies the league’s commitment to fostering fairness and professionalism on the field. “This is a step forward to ensure uniformity in how player behavior is regulated, aligning IPL standards with those of ICC T20I matches,” he stated.

They decided to make some new rules because, during the IPL 2024 season, there were a large amount of times, about ten, when people didn't follow the behavior rules. This showed that they really needed to be tougher on the guidelines.

One of the notable offenders was Harshit Rana from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who was involved in two Level 1 offenses. In one instance, Rana’s flying kiss gesture towards Mayank Agarwal after dismissing him was deemed inappropriate. Additionally, his overly exuberant celebration against the Delhi Capitals resulted in penalties, including fines and a one-match suspension. Other players, such as Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Tim David of Mumbai Indians (MI), also faced penalties for Level 1 offenses during the season. These incidents underscored the urgency for a more disciplined approach to player conduct in the tournament.

“From now on, ICC penalties will apply to all Level 1, 2, or 3 violations. Until now, the IPL had its own Code of Conduct, but moving forward, we’ll follow the ICC T20I guidelines for Playing Conditions.

ALSO READ: South Africa Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New inclusions like Riyan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs

Conclusion:IPL 2025: Raising the Bar for Fair Play and Discipline

The IPL is trying to place itself at the top as a major cricket event famous for its excellence and fair play. They want rules based on the ICC Code of Conduct which makes it clear that players have to face tougher penalties for breaking them. This entire effort is about cutting down on conflicts during matches--and making fully sure everyone plays in the right spirit.

Fans can look forward to a more disciplined and fair competition in the 2025 season. The emphasis on better behavior is expected to enhance the overall experience for players, officials, and audiences alike. As the league evolves, the integration of ICC rules reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity and global appeal of the sport.

The 2025 IPL season is going to be strikingly large because they're bringing in some new rules that match up with the ICC code of conduct. A major change has the sincere intention to make sure players behave properly and sets the standard for how cricket tournaments should be run.

Recently, Gautam Gambhir has been at the center of a heated controversy after former cricketer Manoj Tiwary made strong remarks about his leadership and public image. In the wake of these comments, several players have come forward to show their support for Gambhir, with Nitish Rana being one of the first to defend him. Following this, Harshit Rana, another member of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad under Gambhir's coaching in IPL 2024, also stepped up to express his support.

Read Also: Manoj Tiwary Slams Gautam Gambhir: Calls Him a Hypocrite and Questions His Leadership

Harshit, who played under Gambhir’s coaching during last year's IPL and the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, took to social media to back the former cricketer. He shared his thoughts by uploading an Instagram story in which he addressed the criticism, emphasizing that criticizing someone due to personal insecurities was unfair and wrong. Harshit highlighted Gambhir's selfless leadership and the support he consistently provided to his players, especially during tough times, and always gave them the limelight when things were going well.

Harshit highlighted Gambhir’s selfless leadership, noting how he always focused on the players' well-being and their success on the field. Harshit added that Gambhir consistently supported his players, especially when they were going through tough times, and always gave them the limelight when things were going well. He further expressed that Gambhir had immense knowledge of how to turn games in favor of the team, demonstrating strategic brilliance as a coach.

Nitish Rana, another former KKR player, also expressed his support for Gambhir, defending him against the criticism. He took to Twitter, suggesting that Tiwary’s comments were rooted in personal insecurities and reaffirmed Gambhir’s qualities as a selfless and effective leader. Rana highlighted Gambhir’s consistent ability to motivate and support his players, reinforcing the idea that Gambhir’s leadership was both genuine and impactful.

Criticism should be based on facts not personal insecurities. Gauti bhaiyya is one of the most selfless players I’ve ever met. He shoulders responsibility in times of distress like no other. Performance doesn’t need any PR. The trophies speak for themselves.

— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) January 9, 2025

The controversy began when Manoj Tiwary criticized Gambhir for allegedly taking all the credit for KKR’s 2012 IPL win. Tiwary suggested that Gambhir’s public image overshadowed the contributions of other key players, including himself, Jacques Kallis, and Sunil Narine. He also raised concerns about Gambhir’s leadership during his coaching tenure with the Indian team. Tiwary’s comments, which gained attention after being aired in a viral interview, sparked a wave of debate in the cricketing community.

Team India Champions Trophy 2025 Squad: Four Bowlers in Contention to Replace Jasprit Bumrah

Team India is on the hunt for someone to take Jasprit Bumrah's place because his fitness is not certain, with the Champions Trophy 2025 coming up. Bumrah hurt his back during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in the Sydney Test, and now his playing status is unsure. Since he's been a major part of why India does well in all types of matches, finding another person who is just as talented will be very hard.However, India has four exciting bowlers who might (simply) be able to step up and cover for him.

Bumrah's Form and Setback

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah did very well with his amazing bowling skills, getting the Player of the Series award. Mr. Bumrah was vitally important in taking down Australia's batters, which helped India -- but there's some concern now because he hurt himself in the Sydney Test. People are getting anxious whether he'll be fit to play in the Champions Trophy or not.

If Bumrah fails to recover in time, India will need to rely on other options. Among the contenders are Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana, each bringing their unique strengths to the table.

ALSO READ: Australian squad for the Sri Lanka Test series revealed: Steve Smith to lead the side

Contenders for Bumrah’s Replacement

1. Prasidh Krishna

Krishna is proficient at cricket because he took six wickets in the Sydney Test. He's very quick and gets a lot of players out, making him a great option to take Bumrah's spot. He's been consistently doing great in local matches and has played internationally a lot, which proves he's very good.

2. Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar is becoming more popular in white-ball cricket. Mr. Kumar is very good at keeping his throws straight and precise, which makes him a very good player at knocking down pins in bowling. Also, he's obtained a great ability of making the ball swing and still remains placid even when things get tense. That's why he's a smart and knowledgeable choice for the Champions Trophy.

3. Akash Deep

In BGT, Akash Deep did a first-rate job bowling, especially with his accuracy and how he aimed the ball. Even though he didn't get rid of a lot of players all the time, his skill and the manner he made it tough for hitters show he could be in the team instead of Bumrah.

4. Harshit Rana

In the first couple of matches of the BGT, Harshit Rana really showed what he has, throwing the ball with a lot of control and accuracy. If Bumrah can't play, Rana's knack for a little bit adjusting to various environments and doing well, even when things become tense, means he could be another choice for team India.

Opportunity in the England Series

The team management has made some serious decisions to make in the next few months as they gear up for the Champions Trophy 2025. The upcoming England series is a major chance for these bowlers to show what they're made of. If they perform well in the series, they can secure their spots in the Champions Trophy group and gain invaluable experience before the major event.

India’s Bowling Depth Offers Hope Amid Bumrah’s Uncertainty

Not having Jasprit Bumrah around is a significant loss for Team India—but this might be the moment for these four bowlers to step up. They've all had moments that hint they could really become noticed on the larger stage, and the series against England could be their moment to do just that.

Jasprit Bumrah might not play in the Champions Trophy 2025, and that's somewhat tough for Team India--but there's a bit of good news because there are some amazing bowlers ready to help. We are looking at Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana who've shown they can really do well on the field. They are excited and ready to make the most of their chances.

The matches coming up in England will be vitally important, because they'll help decide who's going to take Bumrah's place if he can't make it. Even though everyone is keeping an eye on Bumrah's health, India's excellent deep lineup of bowlers keeps them in the game for one of the largest tournaments in cricket.

Many young cricketers rose to prominence in 2024, with outstanding performances across all forms. Among them, five players stood out for their promising performances on the big stage, implying that they may be the future foundation of Indian cricket.

Overall, the Indian cricket team has been a thorough breeding ground for fresh and developing talent, making an influence in the most effective manner conceivable.

It is no surprise to find the current and prominent emerging players who would play a decisive role in earning India's probable future ICC titles, tournaments or bilateral series wins. That said, here's a list of the top five debutants from the Indian Cricket Team, the 2024 edition.

Pacer Harshit Rana who is 22-year-old but he has been waiting since long time to begin his International career. On Instagram, he shared a picture of himself wearing the India cap and wrote, "13 years ago, my dad and I dreamed of this moment. Today, it came true. This is for you, Dad."

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by RANA (@harshit_rana_06)

Former KKR Coach Gautam Gambhir backed Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana revealed that the advice from his Dad and Coach Gambhir to stay focused and calm and not to worry helped him a lot. Harshit during a post-day press meet said, "It was difficult for me to wait (for my debut), but Gauti bhai was saying to keep my patience and do well whenever my chance comes. He always gives me confidence. He was telling me to keep everything aside and think that you are representing the whole country."

Rana was nervous and seen in tears during the cap representation speech

Harshit Rana expressed what he was going through the night before making his Test debut. He said, "I wasn't going to get a lot of sleep that night and I went to sleep quite late. I didn't listen to anything special, just followed my regular routine. I had nervous feelings the day before the match. I had seen Australia vs India only on TV, waking up early and watching with my dad. So this is a huge deal for me."

See Also:- Watch: Virat Kohli appreciates openers after dominant display

Rana was a crucial member of the KKR Squad in their IPL  Winning Campaign. He looked to be specific for white-ball with his bowling styles. But when he played the simulation match at WACA against India A which showed his potential in playing red ball as well. He shined in his debut with figures of 3-48 and helped restrict Australia to a total of 104 and get his team the lead of 46 runs. His maiden Test wicket was Travis Head as he missed the outside edge and the ball hit the top of the off stump. He was overwhelmed after his Maiden Test wicket. He was happy with his and the team performance as well.

"We get extra bounce when we come here and play on these wickets but we have to make sure we don't get carried away. If we focus on bowling those good lines and lengths, it will help us. So that was the focus, to not get carried away", the pacer further added.

Rana also spoke about Skipper Bumrah's influence on them as he said, "Whether you talk about batting or bowling, when someone gives you a start like Jassi bhaiyya did yesterday, it creates an atmosphere where everyone is very charged up. Everyone starts thinking 'if he is doing it, we will too". So that was a big thing that they were three wickets down when I came on to bowl.

In a sensational display of pace bowling, India bowled Australia out for a paltry 104 in their second innings, securing a vital first-innings lead of 46 runs on Day 2 of the Perth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The Optus Stadium pitch continued to favor the seamers, and India’s bowlers, led by stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah, ensured Australia struggled to recover from their overnight collapse.

Bumrah shines bright with 5-wicket haul

Australia resumed their innings at 67/7, with Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc at the crease, hoping to bridge the deficit. However, Jasprit Bumrah dashed their plans with a fiery spell. The Indian captain struck with the very first ball of Day 2, removing Carey for 12, and completed his 5-wicket haul in style. Bumrah’s immaculate line and length, combined with his ability to extract movement, left the Australian batting lineup in tatters.

Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the history books during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming his 11th 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. With this feat, Bumrah has become the joint-highest Indian bowler with the most 5-wicket hauls in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) nations, matching the legendary Kapil Dev's record of seven fifers in these conditions. Additionally, Bumrah has entered the top-10 list for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler, solidifying his legacy as one of India's finest pacers.

Nathan Lyon fell shortly after to debutant Harshit Rana, reducing Australia to 79/9. However, a resilient 25-run stand between Starc and Josh Hazlewood delayed India’s march. The young pacer impressed with figures of 2/25 in his maiden Test, claiming two crucial wickets to support India’s pace dominance. Starc showed grit with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 19, but Rana returned to dismiss Hazlewood, sealing Australia’s innings at 104.

See Also: BGT 2024-25: Bumrah leads from the front on record-breaking Day 1 in Perth

Harshit beats Starc

Despite the Australian collapse, Mitchell Starc brought a touch of light-heartedness to the intense match. During Rana’s fiery spell, the stump mic caught Starc cheekily reminding the Indian pacer, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The playful banter, stemming from their camaraderie as former Kolkata Knight Riders teammates, quickly went viral on social media.

Rana responded with a wry smile and let his bowling do the talking. His dismissal of Lyon and eventual breakthrough against Starc’s partner, Hazlewood, highlighted his composure under pressure. The lively exchanges between the two added a unique flavor to an otherwise intense Test match. India’s pace attack, spearheaded by Bumrah and ably supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, showcased remarkable discipline and skill, setting the tone for a thrilling contest in Perth.

Brief Scores: India 150 (Nitish Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 38; Josh Hazlewood 4/29, Mitchell Marsh 2/12, Mitchell Marsh 2/14, Pat Cummins 2/67) lead Australia 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30, Harshit Rana 3/48) by 46 runs

The intense battle of the first Test between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium was punctuated by a playful yet competitive exchange between Mitchell Starc and Indian debutant Harshit Rana. The humorous moment, which highlighted the spirit of cricket, occurred during Day 2 and quickly became a talking point on social media.

Rana’s fiery spell sparks Starc’s playful jibe

The moment unfolded during the 30th over of Australia’s innings when Harshit Rana, bowling with pace and aggression, delivered a fiery barrage of short-pitched deliveries to Mitchell Starc. The Australian pacer was forced to duck and weave as Rana’s deliveries extracted sharp bounce off the lively Perth wicket.

As Rana walked back to his mark, Starc, caught on the stump mic, playfully quipped, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The cheeky comment, delivered with a grin, hinted at possible retribution when Rana would come out to bat. Rana, unfazed, responded with a smile, demonstrating maturity and composure in only his first Test match.

Mitch Starc offers a little warning to Harshit Rana 😆#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/KoFFsdNbV2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2024

See Also: Watch: Faf du Plessis powers Samp Army and brings win in Abu Dhabi T10

Camaraderie and competition shine through

The banter between Starc and Rana drew attention not only for its humor but also for the camaraderie between the two players, who recently shared a successful stint as teammates at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite Starc’s playful remarks, Rana showcased his potential, taking two key wickets, including Travis Head on Day 1 and Nathan Lyon on Day 2, while consistently hitting speeds over 140 km/h.

Meanwhile, India’s pace trio, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dominated Australia’s batting lineup. Bumrah’s clinical performance saw him claim a five-wicket haul, his 11th in Test cricket, as he removed Alex Carey with the first delivery of the day. Supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, India’s bowlers dismantled the Australian batting order, securing a significant first-innings lead by the end of the session.

The light-hearted exchange between Starc and Rana, coupled with the fierce competition on the field, exemplified the spirit of cricket—where intense rivalries are often interspersed with moments of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Delhi’s promising fast bowler Harshit Rana has been added to India’s squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand, set to take place in Mumbai on November 1. Rana's inclusion comes on the heels of an impressive domestic season, with his performances putting him on the national radar. His call-up also precedes his selection for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia later this year.

Delhi speedster Harshit Rana, known for his pace and late movement, has been included in India's squad for the final Test against New Zealand, scheduled for November 1 in Mumbai. While it’s uncertain if Rana is covering for any specific injuries, his addition strengthens India’s bowling lineup as they gear up to conclude the series on a high note.

Impressive Ranji performance and national selection

Harshit Rana's national selection is a testament to his recent achievements in domestic cricket. In the third round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Rana picked up a sensational five-wicket haul against Assam, finishing with seven wickets in the match and scoring a swift 59 runs in the lower order. His performance was instrumental in securing Delhi’s first victory of the season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

See Also: Glenn Maxwell shares Kohli blocked him; 'It was because you mocked me…"

Strong domestic season catches selector's eye

The young bowler has had a remarkable domestic season so far, beginning with the Duleep Trophy, where he claimed two four-wicket hauls. His performance for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 season was equally impressive, as he finished with 19 wickets in just 11 bowling innings. Rana’s lively pace and control have not only gained him recognition from the national selectors but also praise from his IPL mentors, including India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant Abhishek Nayar.

Having been included in India's 18-member Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Rana will be one of three uncapped players to potentially represent India in the high-profile series. This call-up to the squad is a significant step for the young bowler, who continues to gain experience and make his mark across formats.

Harshit Rana, the Kolkata Knight Riders pacer, faced disciplinary action after breaching the IPL code of conduct in the match against Delhi Capitals on April 29. He has been handed a one-match suspension along with being slapped a 100 percent fine of his match fees.

Details of the Incident

Rana’s actions during the match led to a level 1 offense under Article 2.5 of the IPL code of conduct. This article pertains to actions that could provoke an aggressive reaction from another player or disparage the opponent. Article 2.5 of the IPL code of conduct which deals with ‘Using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from another player in the Match’.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: All squads announced so far

IPL Code of Conduct

As per the IPL code of conduct, “Article 2.5 includes any language, action or gesture used by a Player and directed towards a batter upon his/her dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter, whether or not any reaction results, or which could be considered to disparage or demean the dismissed batter, regardless of whether the batter him/herself feels disparaged or demeaned (in other words, a ‘send-off’).

“Without limitation, Article 2.5 includes: (a) excessive celebration directed at and in close proximity to the dismissed batter; (b) verbally abusing the dismissed batter; and (c) pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion. Nothing in this Article 2.5 is, however, intended to stop Players celebrating, in an appropriate fashion, the dismissal of the opposing Team’s batter.”

Harshit Rana’s Actions

Rana’s celebratory gesture towards the dismissed batter, Abishek Porel, violated Article 2.5 during the match. Despite his successful performance, Rana’s conduct attracted scrutiny and subsequent penalties.

Due to his actions, Rana has been handed a one-match suspension and a 100% fine of his match fees. The match referee’s decision was final, and Rana accepted the sanction.

Rana accepted the penalty, acknowledging his mistake, marking his second violation of Article 2.5 in this IPL season. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining discipline on the field.

Impact on Kolkata Knight Riders

Rana’s suspension challenges Kolkata Knight Riders, depriving them of a key player. The team must strategize and adjust their lineup for the upcoming match.

This incident serves as a reminder of the significance of sportsmanship and fair play in cricket. Players must uphold the spirit of the game and demonstrate respect towards their opponents at all times.

In an electrifying start to the season, Kolkata Knight Riders clinched a heart-stopping victory in the opening match against SunRisers Hyderabad. The 22-year-old fast bowler, Harshit Rana, emerged as the hero of the match, delivering a remarkable performance. Despite a sensational innings by Heinrich Klaasen, SunRisers Hyderabad fell short by just 4 runs, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. Let’s dive deeper into the thrilling match that kicked off this season’s cricket extravaganza.

Andre Russell steals the show in Eden

In a thrilling display of cricket prowess, Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders has earned high praise from legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara. Russell’s outstanding performance in the opening match of IPL 2024 against SunRisers Hyderabad left spectators in awe. His unbeaten 64 runs off just 25 deliveries, including three boundaries and seven sixes, propelled KKR to a formidable total of 208 for 7 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Notably, Russell’s explosive batting also secured him the distinction of being the sole player to hit over 200 sixes for KKR and the third West Indian to achieve this milestone in the IPL. Lara, speaking to Star Sports after the match, described Russell’s innings as “crazy,” emphasizing that no outfield is large enough to contain his hitting prowess. Russell’s pivotal knock came at a crucial moment for KKR, rescuing them from a precarious position of 119 for 6 and forming a blistering 81-run partnership with Rinku Singh.

At the Eden Gardens, cricket fans were treated to a nostalgic display by Andre Russell, who dazzled with his remarkable six-hitting skills. Meanwhile, Sunil Narine showcased a vintage performance reminiscent of his best days, stifling the Sunrisers Hyderabad batters.

See Also: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 3, KKR vs SRH

Harshit Rana turns the table

It was a gripping showdown in Match 3 of IPL 2024 as Harshit Rana turned the tide with a sensational final over, securing a thrilling 13-run victory for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Despite a valiant effort from Heinrich Klaasen, who played a superb innings, SRH fell agonizingly close to victory. However, Rana’s magical performance ensured that KKR emerged triumphant in their first game of the season. Let’s delve deeper into the nail-biting action that unfolded in this exhilarating encounter between the two teams.

These seasoned veterans of the Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a memorable spectacle, especially for their former captain Gautam Gambhir, who returned to the KKR dugout, this time as the mentor of the two-time champions.

In a dramatic turn of events, Harshit Rana, known for his emotional outburst after dismissing Mayank Agarwal, showcased remarkable composure when it truly counted. Despite facing criticism from Sunil Gavaskar for his animated send-off, Rana proved his mettle when the pressure was on. Gavaskar’s sentiments might have shifted seeing the Delhi pacer rise to the occasion with nerves of steel.