Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an aggressive send-off directed at England opener Ben Duckett during the third Test match at Lord’s. The incident occurred during England’s second innings when Siraj dismissed Duckett and celebrated in animated fashion, shouting directly into the batter’s face and making physical contact in the follow-through.
The ICC classified the behavior as a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of its Code of Conduct, which deals with actions that could provoke an aggressive response from a dismissed player. Siraj accepted the charge proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, meaning there was no need for a formal hearing.
The punishment adds a second demerit point to Siraj’s disciplinary record within a 24-month period. While it does not lead to any immediate suspension, four or more demerit points in a two-year span can result in suspension points, potentially causing a player to miss Test or limited-overs matches.
The send-off came amid a tense and emotionally charged Test match that has already featured several moments of on-field confrontation. Just a day earlier, a fiery exchange between Ravindra Jadeja and England’s Brydon Carse required umpire and captain intervention to de-escalate the situation. Siraj’s over-the-top celebration added fuel to the already volatile atmosphere at Lord’s.
Though the ICC deemed the incident inappropriate, reactions from the cricketing community were mixed. Some former players, including Stuart Broad, were critical of the sanction. Broad took to social media to express frustration, suggesting that the ICC was being overly harsh on Siraj for an act of passion, especially when more explicit verbal incidents from other players had gone unpunished. He also called for greater consistency in how player behavior is policed, arguing that “players aren’t robots” and that emotional expression is part of the game.
Others, however, supported the ICC’s decision, pointing out that while aggression and intensity are natural in high-stakes matches, players must remain within the boundaries of sportsmanship. Former England captain Michael Atherton noted that Siraj’s shoulder bump and scream were clearly over the line, even if spontaneous, and said the penalty was appropriate for maintaining discipline and professionalism on the field.
For Siraj, this is a moment of caution. A key figure in India’s fast-bowling setup, he will need to manage his emotions more carefully in future matches to avoid further demerit points that could lead to suspension. His passion and fiery attitude have been praised in the past for lifting India’s energy in tough away conditions, but the balance between aggression and discipline remains crucial.
As the Test series continues with both teams locked in an intense battle, such incidents underline the fierce competitive spirit between England and India. The challenge for players like Siraj will be to channel that energy into performance, without crossing the line set by the sport’s governing body.