A fiery third Test match between India and England is underway at Lord’s in London. However, just hours before the final day’s play, the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a hefty fine on Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. The penalty came as a result of his animated celebration after dismissing an English batsman. Siraj has been fined 15 percent of his match fee, and disciplinary action has also been taken against him.
The ICC announced that Mohammed Siraj was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on Day 4 of the third Test match of the ongoing five-match ICC World Test Championship series. As a result, he has been fined 15% of his match fee. Siraj was found to have violated Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with “using language, actions or gestures which could provoke an aggressive response from a dismissed batter during an international match.”
Additionally, one demerit point has been added to Siraj’s disciplinary record. This is his second offence within a 24-month period, taking his total to two demerit points in that time. His previous demerit point was given on December 7, 2024, during the second Test against Australia in Adelaide.
The latest incident occurred during the sixth over of England’s second innings on Sunday, when Siraj celebrated aggressively near opener Ben Duckett after dismissing him. Siraj accepted the charge, meaning there will be no formal hearing.
It’s worth noting that if a player accumulates four or more demerit points within 24 months, it can lead to a suspension from one Test match or two ODIs or T20Is.