Warne fined $50,000 for row with RCA secretary

The IPL Disciplinary Procedure Commission has decided to impose a fine of $50,000 on Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne for his fracas involving Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) secretary Sanjay Dixit. The RCA, on its part, wanted Warne banned, but the Royals wanted him to continue playing. Indeed, the Australian reportedly wanted to call time on his playing career by bowling to Sachin Tendulkar in his last game. The Commission, which comprises Chirayu Amin  (Chairman) and Ravi Shastri, heard representations from both Dixit and Warne before arriving at its decision. [caption id=“attachment_11826” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Shane Warne has been fined US $50000. Reuters”]  [/caption] The Commission’s statement is as follows: The Commission is conscious of the duty of all parties involved in the Indian Premier League, to uphold the image and reputation of the game of cricket, the BCCI and the League at all relevant times. Any action which is a breach of this duty is to be treated with all necessary severity. It regards the public criticism of Mr Dixit as being a serious breach by Mr Warne of his IPL playing contract. However, at the same time, the Commission also recognises that Mr Warne has apologised to Mr Dixit, and that the incident occurred just after the match. In addition, the Commission is cognisant of the contribution to the game of cricket in general, and to the Indian Premier League, which has been made by Mr Warne. The Commission has decided to impose a fine of US$50,000 upon Mr Warne. In doing so, the Commission wishes to stress that any future such occurrences committed by Mr Warne or any other person may result in the imposition of a fine, which may be higher than that imposed in this case, a ban for a number of matches, and/or the deduction of points from the relevant team. Whether this decision has any bearing on Warne’s return to the Royals next season as mentor and coach remains to be seen.