Pant reprimanded for on-field dissent
Leeds
India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent towards an umpiring decision during the third day of the ongoing first Test against England at Headingley.
The incident occurred during the 61st over of England’s first innings, when Pant questioned the condition of the ball while Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were batting. After a discussion, the umpires inspected the ball with a gauge but decided against changing it. Frustrated, Pant threw the ball on the ground in front of the umpires, an act deemed disrespectful.
The 27-year-old was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.8, which addresses dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match. As a result, Pant received an official reprimand along with one demerit point added to his record. This is his first offence in the last 24 months.
Pant accepted the charge and the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, thus avoiding a formal hearing. The on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Mike Burns, reported the incident.
Despite the reprimand, Pant has been in stellar form, scoring centuries in both innings of the Test. However, the ICC stressed that all players must maintain the spirit of the game and respect umpiring decisions. Level 1 offences carry a maximum penalty of 50% match fee and up to two demerit points.
