India fast bowler Mohammad Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during Day 4 of the third ICC World Test Championship match against England at Lord’s on Sunday.
Siraj was found guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses:
“Using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”
Incident involved excessive celebration after Duckett’s dismissal
The incident took place in the sixth over of England’s second innings when Siraj dismissed Ben Duckett and then celebrated excessively in close proximity to the departing batter. The on-field conduct was deemed provocative and led to immediate sanction.
Siraj accepted the charge and the proposed penalty from match referee Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel, which meant no formal hearing was required.
The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, along with third umpire Ahsan Raza and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd.
Second demerit point for Siraj in 24 months
In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Siraj’s disciplinary record — his second such point in a 24-month period. His previous demerit point was recorded during the second Test against Australia in Adelaide on 7 December 2024.
Under ICC regulations, accumulating four or more demerit points in a 24-month period results in suspension points, which can lead to a ban. Siraj now has two active demerit points.
ICC penalty structure for Level 1 breaches:
- Minimum: Official reprimand
- Maximum: 50% match fee fine and up to two demerit points
Demerit points remain on a player’s record for 24 months before they are removed, assuming no further violations occur.
Context: Tensions rise during intense Test series
Siraj’s aggressive celebration follows a series of fiery exchanges between both sides in this ongoing Test series, including sledging incidents between Shubman Gill and Ben Duckett earlier in the match. England leads the five-match series 2-1 after their win at Lord’s.
With two Tests remaining, player conduct will likely remain under close scrutiny as the battle between India and England intensifies — both on the scoreboard and in spirit.
