With the IPL 2025 Auction coming up in less than two weeks, Topley’s injury history might cause some franchises to think twice before bidding for him.
England fast bowler Reece Topley has been fined 15 percent of his match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after an outburst that saw him break a chair in frustration. The incident took place during the first T20I against the West Indies, following an injury setback that forced Topley to leave the field early.
Former RCB pacer Topley injured his right knee during the opening game of the series against the West Indies on Saturday. After a brief rain delay, he attempted to resume bowling but could only deliver one more ball before being forced to exit the field. Unfortunately, he did not return to play for the remainder of the game, marking a tough start to the series for the pacer.
As he made his way up the steps, Topley was visibly frustrated, picking up a chair and smashing it against the staircase handrail. His reaction was similar to an incident during the ODI World Cup 2023, in Mumbai, when he knocked a chair out of his way after leaving the field with a serious injury. That injury, to his left index finger, ultimately ended his World Cup campaign, sidelining him for the rest of the tournament.
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Topley’s Fitness Issues Raise Doubts Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction
The severity of the latest injury is unknown, but it forced him to miss England’s second match in Barbados. This injury is just another addition to his long list of setbacks, which includes a career-threatening back stress fracture and a rolled ankle during a practice session in Brisbane.
With the IPL 2025 Auction coming up in less than two weeks, Topley’s injury history might cause some franchises to think twice before bidding for him. In IPL 2023, he was only able to play one match before another injury forced him to miss the rest of the tournament.
Topley Faces Fine and Demerit Point for Breaking ICC Code of Conduct
While Topley escaped punishment for his actions in Mumbai, this latest outburst has led to a Level 1 breach of the ICC’s Code of Conduct. This time, Topley was held accountable and fined accordingly.
Article 2.2 relating to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”
The fast bowler admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction put forward by ICC match referee Richie Richardson, which meant that a formal hearing was not necessary.
In addition to the fine, Topley received one demerit point on his disciplinary record. Under ICC regulations, if a player collects four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, these points are converted into suspension points, resulting in a ban. However, as this was Topley’s first offense within that period, he avoided further repercussions.
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