Rishabh Pant Faces Potential ICC Penalty After On-Field Dispute

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant may face disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a heated exchange with umpire Paul Reiffel during the third day of the first Test match against England at Headingley. The incident, described as “needless” by commentators, occurred during the 61st over of England’s innings when Pant questioned the condition of the ball after Mohammed Siraj conceded a boundary to Harry Brook.

Pant approached Reiffel to inspect the ball, which the umpire evaluated using a ball gauge and deemed satisfactory. Unconvinced, Pant continued to argue before tossing the ball onto the ground and walking away. Commentator Mark Butcher criticized the action as unnecessary, while former cricketer Ravi Shastri also expressed disapproval.

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The Indian vice-captain’s behavior could lead to charges under two ICC Code of Conduct violations, per the report. Pant’s actions drew attention amid his notable performance behind the stumps, where he has recorded 151 catches and 15 stumpings, ranking him third among India’s most successful wicketkeepers, behind MS Dhoni (294 dismissals) and Syed Kirmani.