CSK skipper Dhoni fined for 'inappropriate public comments'

Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was, on Wednesday, fined 10 per cent of his match fee for "inappropriate public comments" about an umpire's decision.

Following Chennai’s 25-run defeat to Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, Dhoni questioned the umpire’s decision over the dismissal of opener Dwayne Smith.

"We lost momentum in the middle, and not to forget Smith got a horrible decision," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Smith was adjudged LBW after being struck on the pads off a full-toss from Lasith Malinga in the first over. Replays showed that ball would have gone down the leg side by some margin.

Dhoni admitted the level 1 offence (Article 2.1.7 of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials) and accepted the sanction.

Chennai will meet the winner of Wednesday’s eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, in the second qualifier in Ranchi on Friday.

Image: Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Photograph: BCCI