ICC rebukes Bumrah, also hands demerit point

The International Cricket Council (ICC) reprimanded Indian cricket team fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for breaching Code of Conduct and also handed a demerit point following an incident involving England batter Ollie Pope in the first Test match in Hyderabad.

According to the ICC release, the incident involved Bumrah deliberately stepping in England player Ollie Pope’s way as he went for a run which led to “inappropriate physical contact”.

During the 81st over of England’s second innings, Bumrah seemed frustrated with Pope’s attempt to take a leg bye and seemingly shouldered barged the England batter.

Both Bumrah and Pope got involved in a war of words following the incident but India skipper Rohit Sharma and the on-field umpire stepped in and resolved the situation.

“The incident occurred in the 81st over of England’s second innings, when Bumrah, after completing his follow through, deliberately stepped in Ollie Pope’s way as the batter went for a run, leading to inappropriate physical contact,” the ICC said in a release.

Bumrah was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during an international match.

Bumrah accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson and there was no need for a formal hearing.

The on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Marais Erasmus and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit levelled the charge against Bumrah.

England defeated India by 28 runs on Sunday to go 1-0 up in the five-match series.

(With inputs from agencies)