The BCCI is under fire for penalizing young Indian pacer Digvesh Rathi over his now-viral “notebook celebration” in IPL 2025, with several prominent voices calling out a clear double standard in the board’s disciplinary actions.
Cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull minced no words as he criticized the BCCI’s handling of the situation. “The team have got to be paying that (the fines). I don’t like it. I love the celebrations, I don’t think he has done anything at all wrong. I’ve seen senior Indian players do way worse, be in your face, and not get a fine. They are making an example out of a young man who is what, making a note in his notebook?” Doull remarked.
Rathi, who has now been fined multiple times and faces a possible suspension, first performed the celebration after dismissing his close friend Priyansh Arya. All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed clarified the context behind the act: “Priyansh Arya (who Digvesh dismissed to bring out the celebration for the first time) is his very good friend. He did it on a friendly note, but since he is on the verge of suspension, I hope he doesn’t repeat it.”
While the BCCI insists on upholding the IPL Code of Conduct, critics argue that the enforcement has been inconsistent, particularly when senior players often escape scrutiny for similar or even more aggressive celebrations. The growing outrage is fueled by the perception that the young bowler is being unfairly targeted to “set an example.”
The incident has sparked a larger conversation around how individuality and flair are treated in Indian cricket, especially when exhibited by younger, lesser-known players. For now, all eyes remain on how Rathi and the BCCI respond in the coming matches—and whether the celebration that made headlines will be seen again.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
