WPL 2025: Harmanpreet Kaur fined for altercation with Sophie Ecclestone
What's the story
Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been fined 10% of her match fee for breaching the Women's Premier League (WPL) Code of Conduct. The penalty followed a heated exchange between Kaur and UP Warriorz's Sophie Ecclestone during Match 16 of WPL 2025 on March 06 at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The incident stemmed from an umpire's decision on fielding restrictions, which led to Kaur arguing with the umpires. Here's more.
Dispute details
Umpire's decision sparks altercation
The altercation took place in the last over of the Warriorz's innings when MI were fined for a slow over rate. Umpire Ajitesh Argal informed Kaur that her team was penalized, allowing only three fielders outside the circle instead of four. Kaur disagreed with the decision and started arguing with the umpire, escalating tensions on the field. Amelia Kerr, who was to bowl in that over, also joined in on this discussion.
Escalation
Ecclestone's involvement intensifies dispute
Ecclestone, at the non-striker's end, intervened to share her perspective, further escalating Kaur's frustration. The MI captain responded with fiery gestures and words, escalating the on-field situation. The umpires had to intervene and defuse tensions between the players before play could resume. Despite this incident, MI managed to restrict UPW to 150/9 in their 20 overs.
Penalty
Kaur fined for breach of conduct
After the altercation, Kaur was fined 10% of her match fee for violating the WPL Code of Conduct. She admitted to the Level 1 offense under Article 2.8, which pertains to dissent against an umpire's decision during a match. However, MI won the game by six wickets, with Hayley Matthews scoring a stellar 68 runs off just 46 balls.
Match outcome
MI secures victory despite controversy
Despite Kaur's early dismissal for just four runs, MI chased down the target of 151 runs in 18.3 overs. Matthews was awarded Player of the Match for her outstanding performance. Kerr also shone with a career-best bowling figure of 5/38, becoming the first ever MI bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the WPL. With this victory, MI have moved up to second place on the points table, while UPW are on brink of elimination from WPL 2025.
Twitter Post
A video of the spat posted by an X user
Heated Moment Between Harmenpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestonein WPL Match 🤣pic.twitter.com/y94f904JMG
— Vikas Yadav (@VikasYadav66200) March 7, 2025