India's star wicketkeeper-batter handed demerit point for dissent over umpiring decision; escapes with Level 1 offense warning.

Rishabh Pant, who dazzled cricket fans with twin centuries in the ongoing Headingley Test, has found himself in hot water with the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to misconduct on the field. Despite his stellar performance with the bat, Pant was officially reprimanded by the ICC for showing dissent against the on-field umpire’s decision.

The incident occurred on Day 3 of the match, shortly after play resumed. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah approached umpire Chris Gaffaney with a request to change the ball, citing concerns about its condition. However, Gaffaney declined the request. Following this, Pant took the appeal to the other on-field umpire, Paul Reiffel, who also refused, stating it was not the appropriate time for a ball change.

Frustrated with the repeated denials, Pant reacted visibly, throwing the ball in anger as he returned to his position behind the stumps. His actions were deemed a violation of Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses showing dissent at an umpire's decision. This act falls under a Level 1 or Level 2 offense depending on its severity.

Fortunately for Pant, the ICC classified it as a Level 1 offense — the least severe — for which the minimum punishment is a formal reprimand. In addition, he has received one demerit point and forfeited 50% of his match fee. Had the breach been assessed as Level 2, Pant could have faced a heavier penalty, including up to a full match fee deduction and suspension from future matches.

The ICC confirmed the disciplinary action in an official release, stating:
“Pant breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, relating to showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match. This was Pant’s first such offense in a 24-month period. He accepted the charge and the proposed sanction, thus a formal hearing was not required.”

Despite the disciplinary hiccup, Pant remains a pivotal figure in India’s push for victory in the Test. Heading into Day 5, India needs to take 10 wickets to secure a win, while England faces the daunting task of chasing 350 runs.

Pant’s reaction may have briefly overshadowed his cricketing heroics, but with only a minor penalty imposed, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman will be available for the remainder of the series — and fans will hope his bat continues to do the talking.