1st test: ICC reprimands Rishabh Pant for dissent at umpire’s decision

Leeds: India vice-captain Rishabh Pant has received an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against England at Headingley, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday.

Pant, who impressed with twin centuries in the ongoing Test, was penalised for his conduct on the field during England’s first innings. The wicket-keeper was found guilty of violating 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.”

The incident took place in the 61st over of England's innings, when batters Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were at the crease. Pant was seen engaging in a discussion with the umpires over the condition of the ball. Upon the umpires’ decision not to change the ball after checking it with the ball gauge, Pant expressed dissent by throwing the ball on the ground in front of the match officials.

As a result of the breach, Pant has been handed one demerit point — his first in the last 24 months. There was no need for a formal disciplinary hearing, as the Indian vice-captain admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

The charges were brought forward by the on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Mike Burns.

Level 1 violations of the ICC Code of Conduct are the least severe but still attract formal penalties, which can include an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 percent of the player’s match fee, and the addition of one or two demerit points.

Meanwhile, the Test remains evenly balanced heading into Day 5, with England requiring 350 runs to win and all 10 wickets in hand.

With IANS inputs