Harshit Rana, the Kolkata Knight Riders pacer, has been handed a one-match suspension along with being slapped a 100 percent fine of his match fees for a code of conduct breach in the match against Delhi Capitals on Monday (April 29).

Rana was found to have committed a level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the IPL code of conduct which deals with 'Using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from another player in the Match'.

As per the IPL code of conduct, "Article 2.5 includes any language, action or gesture used by a Player and directed towards a batter upon his/her dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter, whether or not any reaction results, or which could be considered to disparage or demean the dismissed batter, regardless of whether the batter him/herself feels disparaged or demeaned (in other words, a 'send-off').

"Without limitation, Article 2.5 includes: (a) excessive celebration directed at and in close proximity to the dismissed batter; (b) verbally abusing the dismissed batter; and (c) pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion. Nothing in this Article 2.5 is, however, intended to stop Players celebrating, in an appropriate fashion, the dismissal of the opposing Team's batter."

Rana picked up two wickets for KKR in the game against the Capitals. His first dismissal was that of Abishek Porel, who missed a scoop shot and was bowled. During his celebrations Rana gave the batter a 'send-off' by pointing towards the dugout, which could have led to the code of conduct violation, although the IPL media release did not specify the incident.

Since this was a level 1 offence, the match referee's decision is final and binding. Rana admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction. This was the second time in this IPL that the bowler was penalised under Article 2.5 of the IPL code of conduct.