Hubli’s Sullia Sodhi Stadium witnessed ugly scenes in the Ranji Trophy summit clash. Jammu & Kashmir captain Paras Dogra has been hit with a 50% match fee cut for headbutting sub-fielder KV Anish, sources confirm.
It unfolded in J&K’s 101st over. After dispatching Prassidh Krishna for four, Dogra sparred verbally with Anish. He then charged, delivering a headbutt that left the Karnataka player nursing an injury despite his helmet.
Mayank Agarwal stepped up to de-escalate, aided by umpires. Dogra later sought forgiveness, allegedly snubbed by Anish. The episode drew ire from Karnataka’s experienced campaigners.
Tension lingered as Vyshak and Wadhavan nearly came to blows in the next confrontation during running between wickets.
Reflecting afterward, Dogra called it ‘minor over-enthusiasm typical in finals,’ insisting reconciliation followed. Wadhavan echoed, labeling it mutual sledging resolved swiftly: ‘No intent, just cricket’s edge.’
A Ranji legend at 41 with 10,000+ runs, Dogra’s 70-run knock propelled J&K to 527/6. Yet, this fine casts a shadow over his milestone performance in a match poised for thriller status.