Digvesh Rathi Free To Do His ‘Notebook’ Celebration, BCCI's Strict Order To Umpires Leaked

Ever since Digvesh Rathi, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowler, has been penalized multiple times by the umpires in the IPL 2025 for his unique notebook celebration, there has been discontent amongst the players, fans, and even cricket experts.

Digvesh Rathi had first brought out his ‘notebook celebration’ during the LSG vs PBKS match. He dismissed Priyansh Arya and went towards him while writing his name in a notebook.

Digvesh Rathi served a double fine

Both Digvesh Rathi and Arya play for Delhi in domestic cricket, and it was seen as a gesture in fun. However, Rathi was fined 25% of his match fees on April 1 by the IPL umpires.

Rathi again copped a fine, this time 50% of his match fees, as he repeated his celebration after dismissing MI’s Naman Dhir. This time, however, Rathi remained in his spot and wrote Dhir’s name on the ground.

Unperturbed, Rathi continued his celebration of writing names in the LSG vs KKR match as well. He dismissed his idol Sunil Narine and did the same celebration for the third time in the IPL. Not only was he fined again, but after accumulating 3 demerit points, Rathi is now faced with the prospect of a one-match suspension.

BCCI asks the umpires to go easy on players for their celebrations

The BCCI has finally shown mercy on players in the IPL 2025 tournament. The BCCI has reportedly instructed the umpires to be lenient with the bowlers and fielders for their on-field celebrations in the IPL 2025.

This has come after multiple fans and even former cricketers Simon Doull and Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at the BCCI. Doull asked why a senior Indian player who performs worse is not subject to the same punishment. Gavaskar, meanwhile, questioned the reasoning behind the spin bowler's fine.

Now, as per the Cricbuzz report, after receiving criticism for punishing Digvesh Rathi of the Lucknow Super Giants twice this season for his "notebook" celebration, the umpires have also been asked to be a little more forgiving when it comes to player celebrations.

Umpires have been hard on the players

However, in recent years, the role has been reduced on other fronts. The umpires are not required to check for front-foot no-ball, and they have even been told not to ask the captains whether they would like to retract their plea for obstructing the field or for a run-out at the non-striker's end.

In the past, umpires were urged to inquire if captains would like to withdraw their appeals in these situations.

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