India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has received an official reprimand from the ICC for breaching the Code of Conduct during the ongoing Headingley Test match between India and England. The incident occurred during England’s first innings when Pant expressed dissent at an umpire’s decision.
According to the ICC, Pant was found guilty of violating Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article pertains to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.” As a result, Pant has also been handed one demerit point, marking his first offence in a 24-month period.
The breach took place during the 61st over of England’s innings when batters Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were at the crease. Rishabh was involved in a discussion with the match officials regarding the condition of the ball. When the umpires inspected the ball and chose not to replace it, Pant showed visible frustration by throwing the ball onto the ground in front of the officials.
This act of dissent was reported by on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Mike Burns. The ICC clarified that a disciplinary hearing was not necessary, as Pant accepted the charge and the proposed sanction. The penalty was officially imposed by Richie Richardson, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
Level 1 breaches, like the one committed by Rishabh Pant, typically result in an official reprimand and may include up to 50% of a player’s match fee as a fine, in addition to one or two demerit points depending on the severity of the incident.
Despite the disciplinary issue, Pant has been a standout performer in the Headingley Test, having scored two remarkable centuries that have kept India competitive in the match. As the final day of the Test approaches, the game remains finely balanced, with England requiring 350 runs to win and all ten wickets in hand.
This incident serves as a reminder from the ICC that players must maintain discipline and show respect for umpiring decisions, regardless of the match situation.