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The England versus India Test series began with high intensity and drama, and it didn’t take long for tensions to spill onto the field. On the third day of the Headingley Test, Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, found himself on the wrong side of the law after an emotional reaction to an umpiring decision.
Rishabh Pant’s animated behavior during England’s first innings
The moment of controversy occurred during the 61st over of England’s first innings. On-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney conducted a routine inspection of the ball using a gauge to check for any loss of shape. While such checks are standard in longer-format cricket, the umpires decided that the ball did not require replacement.
Pant, seemingly displeased with the call, reacted by throwing the ball to the ground in visible frustration — an act that was deemed disrespectful to the officials.
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Why Pant has been reprimanded?
Pant’s behavior was classified as a breach of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, specifically under Article 2.8, which pertains to dissent shown at an umpire’s decision. In a swift response, the ICC issued an official reprimand to Pant. As per the statement released by the governing body, the Indian player accepted responsibility for his actions and agreed to the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, thereby avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
“India’s Rishabh Pant has been handed an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day of the first Test against England in Headingley,” the statement read.
The disciplinary action includes one demerit point added to Pant’s record — his first since making his international debut. According to ICC rules, Level 1 offences typically carry a minimal penalty, ranging from a reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
The charge was brought forward by the complete set of match officials — Reiffel and Gaffaney (on-field umpires), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (TV umpire), and Mike Burns (fourth umpire). Their collective observation of Pant’s conduct left little ambiguity in the assessment.
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