In IPL 2023, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir were punished by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their on-field altercation during a match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The incident generated significant interest and criticism from fans and cricket legends alike. The BCCI imposed a penalty of 100% of their match fees on both players for violating Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which addresses conduct that brings the game into disrepute.

According to the IPL Code of Conduct, different levels of offenses have specified fines. In this case, the match referee and umpires deemed Kohli and Gambhir's behavior as a Level 2 offense, resulting in the full match fee deduction. Naveen-ul-Haq, a pacer from Lucknow Super Giants, was also found to have breached Article 2.21, but his offense was considered a Level 1 offense, resulting in a fine of 50% of his match fee.

The exact amount that Kohli, Gambhir, and Naveen will pay as fines depends on several factors. Unlike international matches, where match fees are predetermined, IPL match fees vary based on factors such as the player's auction price, their salary if retained by the franchise, and the number of matches the franchise plays in a season. Kohli, for instance, reportedly earns a yearly salary of ₹15 crore from Royal Challengers Bangalore. Taking into account the expected number of matches, his match fee is estimated to be around ₹1.07 crore, with variations if RCB reaches the playoffs.

However, it is noteworthy that Kohli will not be personally responsible for paying the fine. It is a common practice among most IPL franchises, including RCB, to bear the fines imposed on their players. The franchise covers the fines instead of deducting them from the players' salaries. This practice acknowledges the dedication and physical risks players undertake for the team.

As for Gautam Gambhir, being the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, his salary arrangement with the franchise is not publicly known. The specifics of his compensation and who will pay the fine on his behalf remain private information. It is likely that the franchise, LSG, will assume responsibility for paying the fine on behalf of Gambhir and Naveen.

The punishment handed down by the BCCI to Kohli and Gambhir serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and upholding the spirit of the game. It reflects the commitment of the cricketing authorities to ensure fair play and professionalism in the IPL.