Poonam Nath

WPL 2025: Harmanpreet Kaur fined by BCCI over fiery spat with Sophie Ecclestone

Digital Desk: Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestone exchanged a heated discussion as Mumbai Indians (MI) and UP Warriorz (UPW) face off in Match No.16 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 on Thursday, March 6 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Notably, the heated debate took place in the final over of the Warriorz innings, when MI received a slow over-rate penalty. On-field umpire Ajitesh Argal informed Harmanpreet that MI would be limited to three fielders outside the circle instead of four as a penalty. Harmanpreet was not pleased with the verdict and began arguing with the umpire.

Following the obnoxious incident, Harmanpreet was fined 10% of her match earnings for violating the WPL Code of Conduct. She admitted to committing a Level 1 offense under Article 2.8, which includes expressing dissatisfaction with an umpire's judgment during a match.

Amelia Kerr, who was about to bowl her last game, also engaged in the conversation. Ecclestone, at the non-striker's finish, stepped in, infuriating Harmanpreet even more.

Heated Moment Between Harmenpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestonein WPL Match ????pic.twitter.com/y94f904JMG

— Vikas Yadav (@VikasYadav66200) March 7, 2025

Later, on-field umpire N Janani intervened, and play resumed. The additional fielder inside the ring didn't cost MI much, as Kerr conceded only seven runs and dismissed Deepti Sharma and Eccelstone, limiting the Warriors to 150 for nine.

MI had the last laugh, winning the match by six wickets. Kerr became the first MI bowler to capture five wickets in the WPL, finishing with 4-0-38-5. Harmanpreet, on the other hand, struggled with the bat as Grace Harris removed her for four runs.

Hayley Matthews earned the Player of the Match award after scoring 68 runs off 46 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. With the victory, MI climbed to second place in the points table.