Rishabh Pant May Face Ban After Angry Ball-Throwing Incident

On the third day of the first Test match between India and England at Headingley, a significant incident involving Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant took place that could have serious consequences for the player. During the match, Pant requested the umpire to change the ball, but when the request was denied, he lost his temper and threw the ball in anger. This act of dissent might lead to a punishment for Pant, possibly including a ban for one match.

The incident happened shortly after the start of play on the third day. Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah had already asked the umpire for a change of ball because 61 overs had been bowled with the current one. However, umpire Chris Gaffney refused the request. Soon after, Pant approached the other on-field umpire, Paul Riffle, and also requested a change of ball.

Umpires have special equipment to assess the condition of the cricket ball and determine whether it is fit for play. After checking the ball, Riffle declared that the ball’s shape was still intact and did not warrant a replacement. Pant was visibly unhappy with this decision. Showing his frustration, he threw the ball angrily onto the ground before returning to his position. The displeasure was clear from umpire Riffle’s reaction, who seemed displeased by Pant’s behavior.

In cricket, the umpire’s decisions are considered final and must be respected by the players. If a batsman is given out and believes the decision is wrong, they have the option to request a review through the Decision Review System (DRS). However, when it comes to matters like changing the ball, the umpire’s call is absolute and cannot be contested. Showing dissent towards the umpire’s decisions is viewed very seriously and is regarded as a breach of the code of conduct.

If umpire Riffle reports Pant’s display of anger in his official match report, Pant could face disciplinary action. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, particularly Article 2.8, expressing anger against an umpire’s decision is classified as either a Level 1 or Level 2 offense. A Level 1 offense is considered less severe and results in a deduction of the player’s match fee by up to 50 percent along with the imposition of a demerit point. On the other hand, a Level 2 offense is more serious and can result in a match fee deduction ranging from 50 to 100 percent.

In addition to the financial penalty, the ICC’s code of conduct also allows for suspensions. A player found guilty of a Level 2 offense can face a ban for one Test match or two One Day Internationals (ODIs). This means that if Pant’s behavior is judged to be a Level 2 offense, he could be forced to sit out the next Test. The final decision, however, rests on the match referee’s report, which will be based on the umpires’ observations and written report. So far, neither the umpires nor the ICC have made any official statement regarding Pant’s conduct.

Meanwhile, the cricket match continued with notable performances from both teams. Jasprit Bumrah’s outstanding bowling helped India gain a slim lead in the first innings. India posted a strong total of 471 runs, and England responded with 465 runs by the end of the third day. England’s batting lineup was bolstered by key contributions, but Bumrah was able to claim important wickets that kept India in control.

In conclusion, the ball-throwing incident by Rishabh Pant has brought attention to the strict discipline expected on the cricket field. His frustration and visible dissent towards the umpire’s decision could lead to significant consequences, depending on the official reports and ICC’s judgment. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing Test series, where both India and England are locked in a close contest, with emotions running high on and off the field.