Rishabh Pant Reprimanded by ICC for Ball Throw and Dissent in 1st Test vs England

India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who made headlines with twin centuries in the Headingley Test, has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent towards an umpiring decision. The incident took place on Day 3 of the match when Pant, frustrated by umpire Paul Reiffel’s refusal to replace the ball despite India’s complaint, threw the ball away in anger.

"Pant was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.” ICC said in a statement.     

Pant has been given one demerit point for the incident his first offence in the past 24 months. The ICC stated that a disciplinary hearing wasn’t needed, as Pant accepted the charge and agreed to the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

Twin Tons from Pant: Historic Feat for Indian Wicketkeeper

The charges against Pant were brought by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Mike Burns. The incident happened in the 61st over of England’s first innings, with Harry Brook and Ben Stokes at the crease. India had raised concerns about the shape of the ball, but after it passed the ball gauge test, the umpires decided not to replace it. Frustrated by the decision, Pant reacted by throwing the ball in anger.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri sympathized with Rishabh Pant’s reaction, understanding where the frustration came from. “When you keep asking to change the ball again and again, it usually means nothing’s really happening with it. You’re hoping for something to shift. That reaction from Pant was pure frustration,” Shastri said while on commentary.

England head into the final day needing 350 runs to win the first Test, with all 10 wickets still in hand. India’s second innings was shaped by brilliant centuries from Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, with Pant making history as the first Indian wicketkeeper to score twin tons in a Test match. Earlier, England showed plenty of fight in their first innings, falling just six runs short of India’s 471. Ollie Pope scored a fine hundred, while Harry Brook was unlucky to miss out, getting dismissed for 99.

Article 2.8 of ICC Code Explained: What Counts as Dissent in Cricket

Action	Offence Level
Shaking head, visible frustration over decision	Level 1
Pointing to pad/shoulder or looking inward when given out LBW/caught behind	Level 1
Throwing cap or ball at umpire; raising argument or delaying game	Level 1 & 2
Requesting referral outside permitted contexts	Level 1
Prolonged argument or discussions with umpire	Level 2

ICC Article 2.8 – Offence Levels and Fines 

Offence Level	Fines / Penalties
Level 1	Warning or reprimand, up to 50% match fee fine, 1 - 2 demerit points
Level 2	Up to 100% match fee fine, 3 - 4 demerit points, possible suspension

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