London, July 14: Former England pacer Stuart Broad has taken aim at the International Cricket Council (ICC), criticising what he called an inconsistent approach in handing out punishments during the heated England-India Test at Lord’s.
His comments came after Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was fined for an aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett on Day Four, while no action was taken against India skipper Shubman Gill for a separate on-field outburst the previous evening.
The ICC announced before the start of play on Day Five that Siraj had been fined 15 percent of his match fee and handed a demerit point under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to gestures or behaviour that could provoke a batter after dismissal.
The incident in question saw Siraj animatedly celebrate Duckett’s wicket, making close contact with the England opener as he walked off the field.
The sanction brings Siraj’s total to two demerit points within a 24-month period — halfway to a suspension.
However, Broad was unimpressed by the decision. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “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.”
The incident involving Gill occurred at the close of play on Day Three.
With England’s openers coming in to face just one over after bowling India out with the scores level, Zak Crawley appeared to deliberately slow down proceedings — stepping away before the final delivery and calling for the physio.
Gill, visibly frustrated, was caught on stump mic shouting, “Grow some f****** balls,” at Crawley, prompting a brief verbal confrontation and intervention from the umpires. Despite the incident being broadcast live, Gill has so far escaped disciplinary action.
Broad’s frustration with the ICC’s disciplinary system continued when he later reacted to a separate incident involving Jofra Archer.
After the England quick bowled Rishabh Pant with a stunning delivery on the morning of Day Five, he celebrated with a loud shout directed at the batter. Sharing a video clip of the dismissal, Broad posted sarcastically: “Worth 15 percent.”
The former England bowler’s comments have reignited the debate over how on-field behaviour is policed and whether the ICC is maintaining a consistent standard across teams and situations.
As tensions remain high in a fiercely contested series, calls for greater clarity and fairness in disciplinary actions are growing louder from former players and fans alike.
Broad’s comments have struck a chord with many in the cricketing community who believe the ICC must uphold uniformity in its disciplinary decisions, regardless of the players or teams involved.
In high-pressure encounters like the ongoing England-India series, emotions are bound to flare, but as Broad pointed out, consistency in officiating is essential to maintaining credibility. (Agencies)
