Rishabh Pant throws ball in anger at Headingley! ICC Code breach looms

Rishabh Pant, typically known for his composed demeanor, showed uncharacteristic frustration during the Headingley Test when umpire Paul Reiffel denied his request to change the ball. Pant was seen throwing the ball to the ground in anger, an act that could potentially breach the ICC Code of Conduct.

According to ICC regulations, Pant risks violating Article 2.8, which covers "excessive, obvious disappointment with an umpire’s decision" and "arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his/her decision," potentially a Level 1 or Level 2 offence. Additionally, Article 2.9 prohibits "throwing a ball at or near a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an International match."

Despite this momentary lapse, Pant’s on-field performance remains exceptional. He has become the leading six-hitter in ICC World Test Championship history, smashing 62 sixes and surpassing Rohit Sharma’s previous record of 56 sixes in 40 Tests. In 44 Tests, Pant has amassed 3,082 runs at an average of 43.40, including seven centuries and 15 half-centuries.

"Pant has now smashed 62 sixes in WTC matches, surpassing Rohit’s tally of 56 in 40 Tests."

He is also the most successful Asian wicketkeeper-batter in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) in terms of runs scored. Furthermore, Pant recently reached the milestone of 150 catches in Test cricket, becoming only the third Indian wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni and Syed Kirmani to achieve this feat.

"On Saturday, and later reached the milestone of 150 catches in Test cricket—becoming only the third Indian wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni and Syed Kirmani to achieve the feat."

While the final decision on any disciplinary action rests with the match referee and umpires, Pant’s rare display of anger at Headingley has drawn attention amid his otherwise record-breaking career.

Rishabh Pant showed rare frustration at Headingley by throwing the ball on the ground after an umpire denied his request to change it, risking an ICC Code of Conduct breach. Despite this, Pant continues to break records, becoming the leading six-hitter in ICC World Test Championship history.