New Delhi: India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct during the ongoing third Test against England at Lord’s. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 13, during the sixth over of England’s second innings, where Siraj celebrated England opener Ben Duckett’s dismissal in close proximity to the batter — an act deemed unsportsmanlike by match officials.
As a consequence, Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point. This marks his second disciplinary offence within two years, raising his tally of demerit points to two. His previous offence came during the second Test against Australia in Adelaide on December 7, 2023.
The charge against Siraj was brought by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Ahsan Raza, and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd. The sanction was imposed under Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to minor breaches such as excessive appealing, dissent, and inappropriate celebration. Level 1 offences carry a minimum of an official reprimand and a maximum of 50% of match fees and one or two demerit points.
Siraj accepted the charge and the proposed sanction from match referee Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel, thereby avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
Despite the disciplinary setback, Siraj has been India’s standout bowler in the series, claiming 13 wickets in six innings at an average of 32. His contributions have been vital in India’s overseas success, including a crucial eight-wicket haul in the memorable 2021 Lord’s Test. In the current series, he delivered impressive spells, including 6/70 at Edgbaston, and picked up his first five-wicket haul on a flat English track — a rare feat in recent years.
The Lord’s Test also saw Siraj and captain Shubman Gill navigate the DRS system with improved precision, successfully overturning an on-field decision shortly after misjudging one earlier.
While the ICC’s reprimand serves as a reminder for players to maintain decorum, it doesn’t overshadow Siraj’s growing stature as a reliable strike bowler for India, especially on challenging overseas tours.
