Follow UsIndia’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been handed one demerit point for “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match” on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds.
The left-handed batter, who scored centuries in both innings of the Test, was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This is Pant’s first offence in 24 months.
During the 61st over of England's innings on Day 3, Pant approached the umpires to request a ball change, citing its condition. However, the umpires declined the request, and Pant expressed his frustration by throwing the ball onto the ground in front of them.
There was no formal hearing, as Pant admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
The charges were brought by the on-field umpires, Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, along with the third umpire, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and the fourth umpire, Mike Burns.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
“When a player reaches four or more demerit points within 24 months, they are converted into suspension points and the player is banned,” says the ICC in its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
“Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for the player.
“Demerit points remain on a player or player support personnel’s disciplinary record for 24 months from their imposition, after which they will be expunged.”
This was Pant’s first offence, but a couple more mistakes like this could get him banned.