India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant has been officially warned for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in the first Test against England at Headingley, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday.
Pant, who has been in scintillating touch with the bat—scoring centuries in both the innings of the match—was fined for his on-field behavior during England's first innings.
Wicket-keeper was found guilty of violating Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. Article 2.8 deals with "showing dissent at an Umpire's decision during an international match."
Thus, Pant received a formal reprimand and one demerit point on his disciplinary ledger as well. This is his first such offense in the past 24 months.
It happened during the 61st over of England's team innings with Harry Brook and Ben Stokes at the crease. Pant had apparently expressed his dissatisfaction with the umpires regarding the state of the ball. When the match officials refused to change the ball after checking it with the ball gauge, Pant responded by throwing the ball to the floor in front of them in a showy display.
As Pant accepted the act and the fine suggested by Richie Richardson of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, there was no requirement for a hearing in writing.
On-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Mike Burns reported the matter formally.
According to ICC rules, Level 1 offences are punishable by an official admonishment, fines of up to 50% of the player's match fee, and one or two demerit points as per the seriousness.
The Test match, meanwhile, is precariously poised going into the last day. England, having a target of 350, will take up Day 5 with all ten wickets in hand.
