BCCI Penalizes LSG’s Digvesh Singh Rathi for Unsportsmanlike Notebook Celebration
Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi has been fined 25% of his match fees and handed one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Punjab Kings on April 1, 2025, at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The penalty was imposed for his animated “notebook celebration” after dismissing Punjab Kings batter Priyansh Arya, which was deemed unsportsmanlike. Rathi admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 and accepted the match referee’s sanction, which is final and binding for such breaches.
The incident occurred on the penultimate ball of the third over during PBKS’s chase of 172 runs. Rathi bowled a short and wide delivery that Arya attempted to pull but mistimed, resulting in a top edge caught brilliantly by Shardul Thakur. Following the dismissal, Rathi mimicked writing on his palm in a gesture reminiscent of Kesrick Williams’ famous “notebook celebration.” The act drew criticism from commentators and fans alike.
Despite Rathi’s bowling figures of 2/30 in four overs, Lucknow Super Giants failed to defend their total as Punjab Kings chased down the target with ease, winning by eight wickets. The victory propelled PBKS to second place in the IPL 2025 points table.