In a dramatic twist on the third day of the Test against England in Leeds, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant found himself in hot water with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for expressing dissent towards an umpire's decision. Pant, who dazzled spectators with centuries in both innings of the Leeds Test, faced the ICC's critique for his behavior during England's first innings.
The 27-year-old cricketer was found in violation of Level 1 of ICC’s Code of Conduct. According to an official statement by ICC, 'Pant was deemed guilty of breaching Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which concerns showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an International Match.'
Adding further to his disciplinary record, Pant received a demerit point—the first in the past 24 months.
Source: aajtak
The incident occurred during the 61st over of England's innings while Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were at the crease. Pant was seen engaging in a heated exchange with umpires over the ball’s condition.
When the on-field umpires refused to replace the ball after inspecting it with a ball-defining tool, Pant expressed his displeasure by hurling the ball to the ground.
Given that Pant admitted his misconduct and accepted the sanction proposed by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, a formal disciplinary hearing was avoided.
The charge was laid by on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, alongside third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Mike Burns.
For a Level-1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, the range of punishment begins with an official reprimand, rising to a possible fine of 50% of player's match fee and the addition of one or two demerit points.
On the fourth day of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy's first Test, India posed a formidable challenge to England, setting a target of 371 runs. England reached 21 runs at stumps without losing a wicket. The Indian side concluded their second innings at 364 runs. Pant made history, becoming only the second wicketkeeper in Test cricket to score centuries in both innings, and the first Indian to accomplish such a feat in England.
