Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicket-keeper batsman, has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test match against England at Headingley. The incident occurred on Day 3 of the Test, when Pant showed dissent towards an umpire's decision regarding the condition of the ball.
Specifically, Pant was found to have violated Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to "showing dissent at an Umpire's decision during an International Match." In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Pant's disciplinary record. This marks his first offense within a 24-month period.
The incident unfolded during the 61st over of England's first innings, while Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were at the crease. Pant engaged in a discussion with the on-field umpires, Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, regarding the condition of the ball, suggesting it should be replaced. After reviewing the ball with a ball gauge, the umpires determined that a change was not necessary. In response, Pant expressed his disagreement by throwing the ball onto the ground in front of the umpires, an action deemed as dissent. Third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Mike Burns were also involved in levelling the charge.
The matter was resolved swiftly as Pant admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. Consequently, a formal disciplinary hearing was not required.
Under the ICC's disciplinary guidelines, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points. While Pant avoided a fine in this instance, the accumulation of demerit points can lead to more severe consequences. According to the ICC's Code of Conduct, if a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points are converted into suspension points, potentially resulting in a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test match, or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for the player. Demerit points remain on a player's record for 24 months from their imposition, after which they are expunged.
Despite the disciplinary action, Rishabh Pant has been a standout performer in the Headingley Test, scoring centuries in both innings. His performance has been crucial to India's efforts in the match. The Test match remains closely contested as it heads into Day 5, with England needing 350 runs to win and having all their wickets in hand.
