Team India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant may find himself in a spot of bother for potentially breaching not one, but two ICC Code of Conduct articles after a heated exchange with on-field umpire Paul Reiffel on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds.
The incident took place after Mohammed Siraj was hit for a boundary by Harry Brook on the penultimate ball of the 61st over. Pant appeared unhappy with the condition of the ball and approached umpire Paul Reiffel with a request to check. Although the umpire found the ball fit for play, Pant showed visible frustration with the decision. He back-handed the ball onto the ground and walked away, prompting boos from the English crowd.
Former Cricketers Slam Pant’s Outburst
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri criticised the outburst, saying, “When you start wanting to change the ball every now and then, it’s a clear indication that nothing’s happening. We want something to happen. And that was frustration from Pant.”
Meanwhile, former England cricketer Mark Butcher said, “I’m not sure there was any need for that. (We) know that he’s a showman and part of that is probably in order to get a reaction from the crowd, but I’m not sure Paul Reiffel appreciated it very much.”
Will ICC Punish Pant?
Pant may have violated Article 2.8 — for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match — and Article 2.9 — for throwing the ball in an inappropriate or dangerous manner. Based on the ICC Code of Conduct, he could be charged under Level 1 or Level 2 offences.
Skipper Shubman Gill and pacer Jasprit Bumrah were also seen having words with the umpire during repeated ball condition checks.
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