Explained: Will ICC punish Rishabh Pant for angry confrontation with umpire?

Indian wicket-keeper and vice-captain Rishabh Pant faces the threat of disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he was involved in a heated altercation with umpire Paul Reiffel during Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley.

Pant was insisting on the change of the ball in the 63rd over of England’s innings as he felt the red cherry had lost its shape; however, after using the standard gauge test, Reiffel decided to continue with the same ball.

This did not go down well with Pant, who threw away the ball in anger to express his disappointment.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was commenting at the moment, explained the reasons behind Pant’s frustration. “When you start wanting to change the ball every now and then, it’s a clear indication that nothing’s happening. We want something to happen. And that was frustration from Pant,” Shastri said on air.

Former England opener Mark Butcher, however, wasn’t happy with Pant’s behaviour. “I’m not sure there was any need for that. (We) know that he’s a showman and part of that is probably in order to get a reaction from the crowd, but I’m not sure Paul Reiffel appreciated it very much,” Butcher said.

Will ICC take action against Rishabh Pant for confrontation with umpire?

ICC match referee Richie Richardson could take action against Pant as the Indian has most likely violated two specific articles of the Code of Conduct. Article 2.8 under the ICC Code of Conduct refers to dissent against an umpiring decision. It can be classified as either a Level 1 or Level 2 offense under clause (a) for showing excessive disappointment and clause (h) for engaging in prolonged discussion about the decision.

He can also be penalised under Article 2.9, which prohibits “throwing the ball at a player, umpire or another person in an inappropriate and dangerous manner.”

Any offense under this article can also carry a potential Level 1 and Level 2 sanction.

So far, the match referee has not taken any action, but it’s quite possible that the sanctions will be announced at the end of the ongoing game.