Rishabh Pant May Face Ban After Angry Ball-Throwing Incident

Rishabh Pant had requested the umpire to change the ball on the third day of the first Test against England at Headingley. When the umpire did not heed his request, he threw the ball in anger. The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman could be punished for this incident. He could be banned for one match.

An hour after the start of the third day’s play, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah requested a change of ball. By then, 61 overs had been played. Umpire Chris Gaffney did not listen to the request. Shortly after, Pant was seen going to the other umpire on the field, Paul Riffle. Pant also went to him and requested a change of ball.

Umpires have a device to check whether the shape of the ball is damaged or not. After checking it, Riffle said that the shape of the ball was fine. Pant could not accept this decision. He threw the ball in anger. Then he returned to his place. It was clear from the look on umpire Riffle’s face that he was not happy with Pant’s work.

In cricket, the umpire’s decision is final. If you disagree with that decision, there is an opportunity to take a review. But that is in the case of getting out. In the case of changing the ball, the decision of the on-field umpire is final. Expressing resentment against him is equal to a crime. If Rifle writes about Pant’s resentment in his report, he may have to be punished.

According to ICC rule 2.8, showing anger against an umpire’s decision is considered a Label 1 or Label 2 offence. In case of a Label 1 offence, the cricketer’s match fee is deducted from zero to 50 percent. He is also given a demerit point. But if a cricketer is found guilty of a Label 2 offence, his match fee is deducted from 50 to 100 percent.

He can also be banned for one Test or two ODIs. If Pant is found guilty of a Label 2 offence, he will have to be banned for the next Test. However, it all depends on what report the umpires submit to the match referee. The umpires or the ICC have not yet said anything about Pant’s loss of temper.

Incidentally, Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling prowess gave India a lead in the first innings of the first Test of the five-match series against England. In response to India’s 471 runs in the first innings, England were all out for 465 runs on the third day of the Test. As a result, India took a lead of 6 runs.