The second day of the 2nd Test between India and Australia saw an animated exchange between India’s Mohammed Siraj and Aussie Travis Head. Fans were sure entertained by the show of emotion from both players, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) sees things differently.
Everyone expects professional cricketers to keep their calm under pressure, particularly while on the pitch. However, some of these players lose their cool during high-stakes meetings and could engage in heated exchanges. A similar scenario played out when India faced Australia during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25.
The ICC has decided to hand each cricketer a punishment after their heated confrontation during the Adelaide Test. Each player will get a fine of 1 demerit point along with other penalties according to ICC codes of conduct.
What is a Demerit Point in Cricket?
A demerit point in cricket is an offense-grading system maintained by the ICC. Players found guilty of breaching ICC codes of conduct usually get demerit points that attract punishment after certain thresholds are exceeded.
What is the Punishment for Mohammed Siraj?
The ICC found Mohammed Siraj guilty of breaching their code for players and player support personnel after his exchange with Head.
“Siraj has been penalised 20% of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel which relates to using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal,” an ICC statement read.
Siraj will have to part with a fifth of his match fees during that encounter as a result. There is no confirmation if Siraj will attempt to appeal this decision.
Was Travis Head Sanctioned After the Incident with Siraj?
Travis Head received a reprimand for his actions after failing to control himself during the incident. The ICC statement says cricket’s governing body finds Head guilty of breaching Article 2.13 of their code of conduct for players and support personnel:
“Head too was sanctioned for breaching Article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the “abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire or match referee during an international match,” the statement read concerning Head’s punishment.
Head is not expected to lose any percentage of his match fees after the controversial moment with Siraj.
When did the ICC Introduce Its Demerit Point System?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced their demerit point system in 2016. The system aims to control likely violent or aggressive reactions of players within the sport. ICC introduced this system to maintain the code of conduct within the sport. It also aims to ensure players behave as expected during on-field appearances.
How Does the ICC Demerit Point System Work?
The ICC categorises their demerit point system into 4 levels – Levels 1 through 4. ICC rules state that if a player commits a Level 1 offense, such a player will receive 1 or 2 demerit points. A Level 2 offense will lead to 3 or 4 demerit points handed down to an offending cricketer.
Level 3 offenses attract 5 or 6 demerit points, while Level 4 caps possible demerit points at 7 or 8 units. Players receiving demerit points at certain levels usually attracts penalties.
Penalties Handed Down According to Demerit Point System
| Offense Level | Demerit Point(s) | Outcome |
| Level 1 | 1 to 2 | No Penalty |
| Level 2 | 3 to 4 | Banned for 1 Test series and 2 ODIs |
| Level 3 | 5 to 6 | No Penalty |
| Level 4 | 7 to 8 | Banned for 2 Test series and 4 ODIs |
Mohammed Siraj or Travis Head will face no bans after receiving one demerit point fine each. It is the first demerit point handed down to both cricketers in the last 2 years.
Siraj Accuses Head of Lying
Mohammed Siraj revealed after Head said he didn’t say anything other than “well bowled” to him. Siraj accuses the cricketer of lying after Head’s comments sparked a confrontation:
“I only celebrated and he abused me, and you saw that on TV too. I didn’t say anything to him,” Siraj told sports broadcasters. “What he said in the press conference wasn’t true. It’s a lie that he only said ‘well bowled’ to me. It’s clear for everyone to see that’s not what he said.”
Head Acknowledges Misconduct
Travis Head later admitted wrongdoing after Siraj called him out for misrepresentation of facts surrounding the controversial event. He had this to say afterwards:
“There was no confrontation before that, but I felt like it probably went too far, and that’s why I’m disappointed in my reaction,”
