The match officials have come under fire from former England pacer Stuart Broad for punishing Mohammed Siraj with 15% of his match fee and one demerit point for celebrating aggressively in Ben Duckett's face after dismissing the England opener on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord's.
Siraj was found guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the International Cricket Council's Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel despite having taken four wickets in the Test match. The rule pertains to "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".
"Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee after a breach in the ICC Code of Conduct during India's Test match against England at Lord's. After the dismissal, Siraj celebrated close to the batter in his follow-through and made contact as Duckett began his walk back to the Lord's long room.
In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Siraj's disciplinary record. This was his second offence in 24 months, taking his tally to two demerit points," said the ICC in a statement.
Former England pacer Stuart Broad has slammed the ICC for their ruling and cited that players are not robots and are bound to show some emotions. He also called the 15% match fee fine ridiculous.
“Find this ridiculous. Siraj 15% for aggressive celebration. Gill swears live on TV & carries on, and what? It’s either both or neither. Players aren’t and shouldn’t be robots, but consistency is key,” Broad posted on X.
England was bowled out for 192 in the second innings with Washington Sundar taking 4/22. Chasing 193 runs to win the 3rd Test, India ended day 4 on 58/4 with KL Rahul unbeaten on 3in
