India’s star player and pacer Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth day of the Lord’s Test against England. The punishment came after Siraj celebrated the dismissal of England opener Ben Duckett in an overly aggressive manner, which led to criticism from former England captain Alastair Cook. The ICC later confirmed the fine and also added one demerit point to Siraj’s record.
How did Siraj breach ICC’s Code of Conduct? Here’s what happened
The incident took place during Siraj’s fiery opening spell, where he dismissed both Duckett and Ollie Pope. After getting Duckett out, Siraj celebrated by getting very close to him and appeared to make contact as Duckett walked back toward the dressing room. His behavior was seen as aggressive and in breach of ICC rules.
Siraj was found to have violated Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. This rule covers actions, gestures, or words used by a player during a match that are disrespectful or likely to cause an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.
As a result of this breach, one demerit point was added to Siraj’s disciplinary record. This was his second offence in a year, bringing hi total to two demerit points. According to ICC rules, if a player collects four or more demerit points within a two-year period, those points are converted into suspension points, which can lead to a ban.
Alastair Cook, speaking on BBC’s Test Match Special, strongly criticised the incident. He said it was wrong for Siraj to get in Duckett’s face and make physical contact. While Cook acknowledged that players should celebrate with passion, he felt Siraj had taken it too far and believed a punishment was necessary.
The incident was one of several heated moments during what has been a tense and closely contested Test match, which is expected to produce a dramatic finish on the final day.