India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has received an official reprimand for violating the ICC Code of Conduct during Day 3 of the third Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds. The incident occurred during England’s first innings, where Pant showed visible dissent toward the umpires’ decision regarding the condition of the ball.
Pant, who impressed with the bat by scoring two centuries in the Headingley Test, breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.” As a result, he was handed one demerit point, marking his first offence in the past 24 months.
The incident unfolded in the 61st over of England’s innings when Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were at the crease. After a brief discussion with the on-field umpires about the shape of the ball, the officials checked it with the ball gauge and ruled that it was fit for play. Displeased with the decision, Pant expressed dissent by throwing the ball on the ground, an action deemed unsportsmanlike under ICC regulations.
There was no formal hearing as Pant admitted guilt and accepted the sanction proposed by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, part of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel. The charge was laid by on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Mike Burns.
Level 1 offences under the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50% of the player’s match fee, and the addition of one or two demerit points.
Meanwhile, the Headingley Test remains finely balanced, with England needing 350 runs on Day 5 and all 10 wickets in hand, setting up an exciting finish.