Indian keeper-batter Rishabh Pant has once again managed to steal the show with his sensational performance in the ongoing England vs India Test match at Yorkshire Cricket Ground, Leeds, England. He has made a powerful return to form after going through a difficult time during the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League, where he struggled to score runs.
Rishabh Pant’s Stunning Comeback with the Bat
Known for his aggressive style and powerful batting skills, Rishabh Pant smashed the England bowlers to all the corners of the ground and scored centuries in both innings of the Indian cricket team, amassing 134 and 118 in 1st and 2nd innings, respectively. With these knocks, Pant became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match.
While he has been receiving praise from all corners for his amazing performances, the ICC has taken strict action against him.
ICC Penalises Pant for Code of Conduct Breach
Yes, you read that right. Pant has been punished for breaking the ICC rules during the first Test of the five-match series against England. He got one demerit point for showing disagreement with on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney over a ball change.
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Well, for the unversed, on June 24, the ICC stated that Rishabh Pant had breached its Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.8. For this, he was handed one demerit point. Interestingly, this is the first time Pant has been penalised in the last two years.
“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,” a statement from the ICC said.
“In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Pant’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offense in 24 months,” the statement added.
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Pant did not challenge the charges and accepted the punishment for showing dissent. The ICC confirmed that he admitted to the offence and agreed to the penalty suggested by match referee Richie Richardson from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel.
“There was no disciplinary hearing as Pant admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees,” the statement added.
“The charges were brought in by the on-field umpires, Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, along with the third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and the fourth umpire, Mike Burns.”
“Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.”
Indian Bowlers Struggle with the Old Ball
During the 61st over of England’s first innings, Rishabh Pant showed frustration after the umpires refused to change the ball. Jasprit Bumrah had raised concerns as the ball had become old after 60 overs, but the umpires said it was still fine after checking it.
Pant again went to the umpires after Harry Brook hit a boundary off Mohammed Siraj, but they still didn’t allow a ball change. Upset, Pant threw the ball on the ground in front of them, showing his frustration as India’s bowlers struggled with the worn-out ball.
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