Pant Reprimanded for On-Field Dissent
In a turn of events that contrasted sharply with his on-field heroics, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has received an official reprimand from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The disciplinary action was taken in response to his on-field behavior during the first Test against England at Leeds, a match in which he had achieved the rare feat of scoring centuries in both innings.
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The incident that drew the ire of the match officials occurred during the 61st over of England’s first innings. Pant was seen in a prolonged discussion with the on-field umpires, protesting the condition of the match ball and insisting it be changed. After the umpires, Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, used the official ball gauge to inspect it and subsequently declined his request, Pant displayed his frustration. He showed his disapproval by throwing the ball onto the ground near the officials, an act that was immediately interpreted as a clear show of dissent toward their decision.
Following the day's play, the ICC formally charged Pant with a Level 1 breach of Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct. This article specifically addresses "showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match." Such a breach carries penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 percent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
In this case, one demerit point was added to Pant’s disciplinary record, his first such offense in a 24-month period. The matter was resolved swiftly and without the need for a formal disciplinary hearing, as Pant admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by the ICC match referee, Richie Richardson. The reprimand serves as a stark reminder of the strict standards of conduct expected at the international level, slightly marring what was otherwise a historic and personally triumphant match for the gifted player.
Picture Source: Amar Ujala
