Delhi Capitals’ wicketkeeper-batter Lizelle Lee has been fined 10 percent of her match fee and handed a demerit point for breaching the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Code of Conduct during her side’s hard-fought contest against Mumbai Indians at the BCA Stadium. The penalty follows her reaction during a contentious stumping decision in the 13th match of the season.
The incident unfolded in the 11th over of Delhi’s chase of 155, with Lee batting fluently on 46 off 28 balls – just four runs short of what would have been her third half-century of the season. After a prolonged third-umpire review, replays showed her bat briefly lifted off the crease as wicketkeeper Rahila Firdous whipped the bails off, leading to her dismissal.
Lee was visibly upset with the decision and continued to show her displeasure after being given out. According to the WPL’s official media release, she admitted to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, which deals with the abuse of cricket equipment or dissent related to equipment, making the match referee’s ruling final and binding.
Despite the setback, Delhi Capitals emerged victorious as skipper Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the chase with an unbeaten 51, steering her team to a seven-wicket win and keeping them in the hunt for a playoff spot with several teams locked on equal points.
Lee’s performances this season have been noteworthy – she ranks among the top run-scorers for Delhi, showcasing her importance at the top of the order. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the league’s strict enforcement of conduct rules, even in high-pressure situations.
Delhi Capitals will now shift focus to their upcoming fixtures as the race for the WPL playoffs intensifies.
