India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, whose back-to-back centuries lit up the first Test against England at Headingley, has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent at an umpiring decision.
According to an ICC release, the incident occurred on Day 3 during England’s first innings when Pant contested the decision not to change the match ball. Following a consultation with the ball gauge, the on-field umpires ruled the ball to be fit for use. Pant, visibly frustrated, hurled the ball to the ground in front of the officials—an act deemed in violation of Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
This is Pant’s first disciplinary offence in two years, and he was handed one demerit point without a formal hearing, having accepted the charge proposed by match referee Richie Richardson. The charges were initiated by umpires Chris Gaffaney, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula, and Mike Burns.
Despite the disciplinary setback, Pant’s performance with the bat remained the highlight of India’s innings. He became just the second wicketkeeper in Test history to notch centuries in both innings of a match, scoring a commanding 118 in the second innings.
As Day 5 dawns, the Test remains delicately poised. England set a target of 371, reached stumps at 21/0. With India hungry for early breakthroughs and England dreaming of another iconic chase, all eyes now turn to Headingley for what promises to be a blockbuster finish.
