India vs England: Rishabh Pant faces a bad news after twin centuries

India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has received an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day of the opening Test against England at Headingley on Sunday. The incident in question took place when Pant showed visible dissent after an on-field umpire’s decision went against him during the final session of play. As a result, the ICC found him in violation of Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct, which deals specifically with “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an International Match.”

India vs England: Rishabh Pant reprimanded for showing dissent towards the umpire

This is considered a Level 1 offence under the ICC’s disciplinary system, which is the least severe category of offences, but still warrants formal action. In accordance with ICC procedures, Rishabh Pant accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson and thus no formal hearing was required. In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has also been added to Pant’s disciplinary record. This marks his first such offence within a 24-month period. The ICC emphasized that maintaining discipline and respecting umpiring decisions is crucial for upholding the spirit of the game. The Indian team management has not issued a public response yet, but Pant is expected to be more cautious moving forward in the series.

In addition to the official reprimand handed to Rishabh Pant for showing dissent during the Headingley Test, one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. This incident marks Pant’s first breach of the ICC Code of Conduct within a 24-month period. Under the ICC’s regulations, demerit points are tracked over a rolling two-year window, and accumulating eight or more points within that timeframe results in the player receiving suspension points. Specifically, eight demerit points translate to two suspension points, which could lead to a ban from one Test match or two limited-overs internationals—either ODIs or T20Is—whichever format comes first in the player’s upcoming schedule.

The ICC uses this points-based system to encourage disciplined behaviour on the field and to deter repeat offences. Pant’s current situation does not pose an immediate risk of suspension, but he will need to ensure he does not commit further breaches if he wants to stay clear of any potential bans in the future. Avoiding repeat offences will allow him to retain a clean disciplinary record moving forward and avoid putting his availability for future matches in jeopardy. The Indian team will be hoping for improved conduct from their wicketkeeper-batter in the remainder of the India vs England Test series.

The incident involving Rishabh Pant occurred late in the 61st over of England’s first innings during the ongoing Headingley Test. The situation arose when the on-field umpires decided to check the shape of the ball using the standard ball gauge. This is a routine procedure in Test cricket, carried out to ensure that the ball maintains its proper dimensions and is fit for continued use. However, after examining the ball, the umpires concluded that it did not warrant a replacement and opted to allow play to proceed with the same ball.

Pant, visibly unhappy with the decision, reacted by throwing the ball to the ground in front of the umpires—a gesture that was deemed as a clear expression of dissent. His actions were considered a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct under Article 2.8, which specifically addresses "showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match." Such displays of frustration, even if momentary, are taken seriously by match officials, as they are expected to uphold respect for the game’s regulations and its governing bodies. As a result, Pant received an official reprimand and one demerit point was added to his disciplinary record for this breach.

Rishabh Pant admitted to breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, thereby avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Mike Burns also involved in the process.

Pant's offence was categorized as a Level 1 breach, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.” According to ICC regulations, all Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and can extend to a maximum of 50% of the player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points being added to the player’s disciplinary record. Since this was Pant’s first offence in a 24-month period, he received an official reprimand and one demerit point without further disciplinary escalation.