ENG vs IND: ICC punishes Rishabh Pant for showing dissent at umpire’s decision-OxBig News Network

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during the third day of the opening Test against England at Headingley.

Pant, who had a stellar outing with the bat – scoring centuries in both innings – was pulled up for his on-field behaviour during England’s first innings. The 27-year-old was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.8, which deals with “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”

According to an ICC release, the incident occurred in the 61st over of England’s innings, when Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were at the crease. Pant was seen engaging in a discussion with the on-field umpires regarding the state of the ball. After the officials, using a ball gauge, ruled out the need for a replacement, Pant expressed his frustration by throwing the ball onto the ground in front of the umpires – an act that constituted dissent.

ENG vs IND 1st Test Day 4 Highlights

As a result, one demerit point has been added to Pant’s disciplinary record. This is his first offence in a 24-month period. There was no formal hearing, as Pant admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson.

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

Under ICC rules, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum of a 50% fine from a player’s match fee along with one or two demerit points.

Despite the minor disciplinary setback, Pant continues to play a key role in India’s campaign. He scored twin centuries at Headingley, becoming only the second wicketkeeper after former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower to do so in Test history . His 118 off 140 balls in the second innings, alongside KL Rahul’s fluent hundred, took India to 364 before a late collapse saw them lose their last seven wickets for just 71 runs.

England, chasing 371 for victory, reached 21 without loss at stumps on Day 4, with openers Zak Crawley (12*) and Ben Duckett (9*) looking solid. The fifth day promises a gripping finish, with India eyeing early breakthroughs and England hoping to script another memorable chase.

– Ends