Rishabh Pant Faces ICC Scrutiny After Incident with Umpire

Rishabh Pant, India's vice captain, is under scrutiny from the ICC after an incident where he threw the ball at umpire Paul Reiffel. This act of dissent could lead to disciplinary measures, including fines or a possible suspension. The ICC's regulations regarding player conduct are clear, and Pant's actions may fall under serious offenses. While the ICC has yet to release an official statement, past incidents suggest that minor penalties are common when intent to harm is not evident. As the cricket community watches closely, the implications of Pant's actions could impact his leadership role and the team's dynamics.
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Rishabh Pant Faces ICC Scrutiny After Incident with Umpire

Rishabh Pant's Controversial Throw at Umpire

Rishabh Pant, the newly appointed vice captain of India, has found himself in hot water with the International Cricket Council (ICC) following an incident where he threw the ball towards on-field umpire Paul Reiffel's face after the umpire declined to change the ball. This act of defiance could lead to disciplinary action, potentially resulting in demerit points or even a one-match suspension.


Understanding the ICC's regulations is crucial in this context. Pant's actions may fall under two specific sections of the ICC's rulebook.


Article 2.8 pertains to 'showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.'



  • Clause (a): This applies to instances of clear and excessive frustration.

  • Clause (h): This covers situations involving prolonged or aggressive discussions with the umpire.


Article 2.9 addresses the act of 'throwing a ball at or near an umpire in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner.'


Both articles are categorized as Level 1 or Level 2 offenses, which could lead to fines, demerit points, or, in more severe cases, a short suspension. Although Pant did not appear to intentionally target the umpire, the ICC may interpret his throw and abrupt departure as an inappropriate display of dissent.


As of now, the ICC has not issued an official statement, and any potential action is anticipated after the match concludes. Given that Pant's reaction seemed emotional rather than aggressive, he is more likely to receive a Level 1 sanction, such as a warning or a fine, rather than a harsh penalty.


Historically, similar incidents have resulted in minor penalties, particularly when there is no evident intent to harm or insult an umpire. However, the ICC may take action to maintain standards of conduct, especially considering Pant's leadership position.


What Prompted Rishabh Pant's Actions?


Rishabh Pant, known for his jovial demeanor, became visibly upset when the umpire refused to change the ball. During Day 3 at Headingley, around the 61st over, Pant expressed frustration after Harry Brook hit a boundary off Mohammed Siraj's delivery. Pant, along with Siraj and later Jasprit Bumrah, urged the umpire to replace the ball, indicating that its shape had been compromised.


The umpire checked the ball with a gauge, and it passed the test, leading him to dismiss the players' concerns. In a moment of frustration, Pant threw the ball behind him while the umpire was directly in front of him.


Despite the disruption, Brook, who had been given multiple chances, eventually fell for 99 in the following over.


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