5 instances when cricketers were fined for the most bizarre reasons

The game of cricket requires "gentlemanly" conduct from all its players. The Code of Conduct is written and enforced by the ICC (International Cricket Council), which is to be followed by all cricketers. On going against the rule, the punishment may vary from a fine, ban of few matches or even a lifetime ban.

The match referee, appointed by the ICC, holds the power to set penalties for the offences. Not just offences pertaining to cricket, there have also been instances when cricketers were fined for surprising off-field offences.

Here we take a look at 5 instances when cricketers were fined (match fee or personal) for reasons both bizarre and funny.

#5 Gautam Gambhir – for kicking a chair

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Gautam Gambhir was fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct in 2016. Gambhir’s offence was kicking a chair in the dugout after his side beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in a league match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

It was widely assumed that Gambhir, who is always high on emotions on the field, kicked the chair out of the excitement of winning.

"Gambhir admitted the Level 1 offence (Article 2.1.8) of abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match. For Level 1 breaches of the IPL Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding," a statement from the IPL read.