Indian pacer Muhammad Siraj and Australian batter Travis Head have been sanctioned for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second Test in Adelaide.
Siraj was fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point for violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code, which pertains to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal".
Travis Head, in response, was fined under Article 2.13, which addresses “abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire or match referee”. Head reportedly swore at Siraj following the Indian bowler’s send-off. He was fined and also received one demerit point on his disciplinary record.
The incident, which occurred after Head’s match-winning 140-run innings, escalated tensions on the field and drew reactions from fans. Siraj’s actions led to the Adelaide Oval crowd booing him throughout the match.
The ICC confirmed that both players admitted to their respective breaches, avoiding formal hearings. The disciplinary actions highlight the competitive intensity of the series but underscore the importance of sportsmanship in cricket.
Despite the incident, Siraj found support from Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, who has played alongside him in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore. “He’s passionate, like Virat Kohli, and plays with emotion. He’s also a good character, and I enjoyed my time with him at RCB,” Hazlewood remarked.
Australia won the match by 10 wickets to level the series at 1-1, but the controversy added drama to an already heated contest. Before the final day of play, Siraj accused Head of misrepresenting the events on the field, further fueling the rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
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