India's fast bowler Mohammed Siraj and Australia's batter Travis Head have been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following their heated confrontation during the recently concluded second Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Adelaide, where Australia triumphed by 10 wickets, equalizing the series at 1-1.

Siraj received a more severe penalty, being fined 20 per cent of his match fee after being found in violation of Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article addresses the use of language, actions, or gestures that may belittle or provoke an aggressive response from a batter upon their dismissal.

Conversely, Head was penalized under Article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to the abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire, or match referee during an international match.

Both players were issued one demerit point each for their first offence within the last 24 months but avoided suspension, much to the relief of both teams. Siraj and Head acknowledged their respective violations related to the incident on the second day of the Adelaide Test and accepted the sanctions recommended by Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle.

What had happened between Mohammed Siraj, and Travis Head?

The incident occurred when Siraj dismissed Head for 140 runs off 141 balls with an impressive in-swinging yorker. Following a six hit off his previous delivery, the Indian bowler responded with a fiery send-off to the local hero, including a fierce glare and a gesture towards the dressing room. In retaliation, the Australian player directed a barrage of words at Siraj.

The rivalry continued off the field, as Head, addressing the media at the conclusion of Day 2, stated, “Well bowled, mate.”

However, Siraj countered Head's assertion before the commencement of play on Day 3, claiming that he had been "abused" by the centurion. 

“When you concede a six on a well-executed delivery, it ignites a different kind of intensity. After I bowled him out, I merely celebrated, yet he directed insults at me, which was evident on television,” he explained to Star Sports. “I only celebrated initially; I did not engage him verbally. His comments in the press conference were inaccurate; it is a falsehood that he only said ‘well bowled’ to me. It is clear for everyone to see that was not the case. We hold respect for all players; it is not our nature to disrespect others. I have respect for everyone because cricket is a gentleman’s game, but his actions were inappropriate. I found it quite displeasing.”

Nevertheless, the two appeared to exchange amicable words to resolve their differences when they encountered each other on the field during India's second innings on Day 3 of the match.

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