#IPLStories: Why did Kieron Pollard throw bat at Mitchell Starc?

If one thinks of the most talked about the argument on the field in the IPL tournament, a glimpse of Keiron Pollard and Micthell Starc pops up in our head. It has been part of the discussion when one speaks on a heated altercation in cricket, too. However, one should remember that it was in the headlines for very wrong reasons. The year was 2014 and Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians side was up against Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 27th match of the IPL 2014 at the famous Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

 

 

 

It was in the 17th over of Mumbai's innings. Starc bowled a bouncer at Pollard, who was beaten as he attempted a hook. Starc went up to the batsman and spoke a few words and Pollard waved him off. As Starc started to deliver the next bowl, Pollard pulled out of the delivery by backing away outside leg stump just as the bowler was approaching his jump.

 

 

This made Starc furious and did not abort the delivery! Starc bowled the ball in anger close to Pollard's legs. Pollard responded by swinging his bat hard. It appeared as if Pollard was threatening to throw it at the bowler. However, it slipped out of his hand and fell on the leg side. Both players were visibly angry and continued to exchange words. Starc later ran Pollard out, but before swatting the bail off he taunted the hopelessly stranded batsman, asking him to try and make his crease.

 

As a result, both players were fined under the IPL's code of conduct. Pollard was reportedly penalised 75% of his match fee while Starc was fined 50% as both players admitted to the level 2 offences at the time.

 

In the same match, both captains Rohit and Kohli were penalised for maintaining a slow over-rate during the high-octane encounter. Talking about the match, Rohit-led Mumbai Indians outclassed Kohli's RCB in the heated contest. Riding on Rohit's unbeaten 59, MI defeated RCB by 19 runs at the Wankhede.