The controversy surrounding Match 43 of IPL 2023 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) refuses to die down. Former cricketers have expressed their opinions on the on-field behavior during the game, particularly the heated argument between RCB batter Virat Kohli and LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir after the match. The incident resulted in heavy fines imposed by the BCCI on all parties involved, with Kohli and Gambhir fined 100% of their match fees, and Naveen-ul-Haq, the LSG seamer, fined 50% of his match fee.
However, questions have been raised regarding the amount that each player will have to pay and whether it will be deducted from their annual salary. It is important to note that the IPL match fee is not pre-determined like international matches. It depends on various factors, including the player’s auction price, their actual salary if retained by the franchise, and the number of matches the franchise plays in a season.
For example, Kohli reportedly earns INR 15 crore from RCB per season. Therefore, his per-match fee will depend on the number of matches RCB plays in a season, which will increase if they qualify for the playoffs.
Reports suggest that Kohli is unlikely to pay the fine from his own pocket, as most IPL franchises have a culture of paying their players’ fines. According to an RCB source quoted 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.”
Similarly, LSG seamer Naveen-ul-Haq and mentor Gambhir’s fines are also likely to be paid by the franchise. However, the exact amount that Gambhir will have to pay remains unknown, as his salary is confidential information between him and the franchise. The figures circulating on the internet are just speculation.
While fines have been imposed on the players involved in the Match 43 controversy, the amount that each player will have to pay is still uncertain. However, it is likely that the fines will be paid by the respective franchises, following the IPL’s culture of respecting and supporting their players.
