The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australian batter Travis Head for their heated exchange during the 2nd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Adelaide. Both players were fined and received demerit points for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
Incident Overview
The altercation occurred on Day 2 of the Test match when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Travis Head after a fiery knock of 140 runs. Siraj celebrated aggressively by pointing Head towards the dressing room. This provoked a verbal retaliation from Head, sparking an on-field clash.
The feud extended off-field as Siraj and Head shared conflicting accounts of the incident:
- Head claimed he had complimented Siraj with “Well bowled.”
- Siraj refuted the claim, accusing Head of abusive behavior.
Penalties Imposed by ICC
| Player | Violation | Sanction | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | Using gestures and language to provoke a batter (Article 2.5 of ICC Code) | 20% match fee fine | 1 |
| Travis Head | Abusing a player or official (Article 2.13 of ICC Code) | Match fee fine (percentage not disclosed) | 1 |
Both players accepted their respective charges and avoided suspension as this was their first offense in the last 24 months.
What the Players Said
- Mohammed Siraj:
“I only celebrated the dismissal; I didn’t say anything offensive. Head’s claim that he said ‘well bowled’ is false. Cricket is a gentleman’s game, and we respect everyone.” - Travis Head:
“I said ‘well bowled,’ but it was taken differently. We had a misunderstanding, but we’ve cleared the air now.”
Reconciliation on the Field
Despite the tension, Siraj and Head reconciled on Day 3 during India’s second innings. They exchanged friendly words, bringing the incident to a close.
BGT – Match Resuults
Australia leveled the series 1-1 with a dominant 10-wicket victory in the day-night Test. Head’s stellar century and the subsequent clash added fuel to an already intense rivalry between the two teams.
The ICC’s swift action in penalizing both players highlights the importance of maintaining discipline on the field. Such incidents, while entertaining for fans, serve as a reminder that cricket remains a gentleman’s game.
