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 umpire Paul Reiffel's face after the umpire declined to change the ball. This act of defiance could lead to disciplinary action against Pant, 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 addresses 'showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.'
- Clause (a): Pertains to instances of clear and excessive frustration.
- Clause (h): Involves prolonged or aggressive discussions with the umpire.
Article 2.9 discusses 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 repercussions are expected to be announced after the match. Given that Pant's reaction seemed emotional rather than aggressive, he is likely to receive a Level 1 sanction, such as a warning or a fine, rather than a harsher penalty.
Historically, similar incidents have resulted in minor penalties, especially when there is no evident intent to harm or insult an umpire. However, the ICC may take action to maintain standards of conduct, particularly since Pant holds a 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. This incident occurred on Day 3 at Headingley during the 61st over, shortly after Harry Brook hit a boundary off Mohammed Siraj. Pant, along with Siraj and later Jasprit Bumrah, urged the umpire to replace the ball, indicating that its shape had been compromised.
Despite the players' concerns, the umpire checked the ball with a gauge and found it acceptable, leading to his refusal to change it. Frustrated, Pant threw the ball behind him while the umpire was directly in front of him.
In a somewhat chaotic moment, Brook, who had been given multiple chances, eventually fell short of a century, getting out for 99 in the following over.