Tim David draws attention after playfully handling the ball during RCB vs MI clash, prompting a warning from match officials.
A light-hearted yet controversial moment unfolded during the IPL clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. During the 18th over, Tim David found himself at the center of attention after interacting with the ball in an unexpected manner.
Following a massive six struck by the Australian batter off Hardik Pandya over the deep mid-wicket region, the umpires decided to replace the ball as it had become wet. A fresh ball was brought in by the fourth umpire from a box of white balls.
Tim David’s Actions Draw Umpires’ Ire
In a surprising turn, Tim David casually took the new ball and began inspecting it, mimicking the usual routine followed by bowlers during a ball change. However, his playful act did not sit well with the officials.
On-field umpire Swaroopanand Kannur attempted to retrieve the ball, but David continued handling it, delaying proceedings. Kannur was heard saying, “Give me the ball please”, but the batter did not immediately comply.
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Standing at a distance, umpire Virender Sharma stepped in and issued a stern warning to David. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma, who was at the other end, simply watched the incident unfold. Watch the clip below:
Adding humor to the situation, former cricketer Dale Steyn remarked on air, “Everyone is a bowler now.”
Possible Code of Conduct Breach
While it remains unclear whether any formal action will be taken, David’s behavior could fall under the IPL’s disciplinary framework. His actions may be interpreted as “time wasting by any Player or Team” under Article 2.10.7 of the IPL Code of Conduct.
If deemed guilty, Tim David could face sanctions from the IPL Governing Council. The incident has since gone viral on social media, sparking mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.
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