The International Cricket Council has come under fire for apparent inconsistency in disciplinary procedures after Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj received financial penalties for an aggressive celebration whilst team-mate Shubman Gill faced no consequences for using profanity during live television coverage.
Controversy emerged during the ongoing Test match at Lord's on Sunday, where Siraj was fined 15 per cent of his match fee and given a demerit point for his animated send-off following Ben Duckett's dismissal on day four.
The incident has sparked debate about the ICC's enforcement of its Code of Conduct, with critics highlighting the disparity between punishing on-field celebrations whilst overlooking televised swearing.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has led the criticism, taking to social media platform X to condemn the ICC's approach.
The International Cricket Council has come under fire for apparent inconsistency in disciplinary procedures after Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj (pictured) received financial penalties for an aggressive celebration whilst team-mate Shubman Gill faced no consequences for using profanity during live television coverage
GETTY
"Find this ridiculous. Siraj 15 per cent for aggressive celebration. Gill swears live on TV and carries on, and what? It's either both or neither. Players aren't and shouldn't be robots but consistency is key," Broad posted.
The former England bowler's comments reflect growing frustration within cricket circles about selective enforcement of conduct rules.
His statement emphasises that whilst players should be allowed to express emotion on the field, the governing body must apply its regulations uniformly across all incidents, regardless of the nature of the breach or the players involved.
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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 https://t.co/5qtpxCmGZs
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) July 14, 2025
The ICC sanctioned Siraj for behaviour that could provoke an aggressive reaction from the batsman after he roared directly in Duckett's face following the dismissal.
This marks Siraj's second such offence, having previously received a demerit point for a similar incident during a Test in Adelaide last year.
With two demerit points accumulated within a 24-month period, the Indian pacer now sits halfway towards a potential suspension.
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The disciplinary action specifically related to breaching the ICC's Code of Conduct regarding aggressive celebrations, with match officials determining that Siraj's conduct crossed acceptable boundaries.
Meanwhile, Gill was captured on stump microphones using foul language on day three whilst voicing his frustration over alleged time-wasting tactics by the English team.
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Despite the profanity being broadcast to television audiences, the ICC has taken no official action against the Indian batsman.
The contrasting treatment of the two incidents has occurred against the backdrop of a tense Test match that saw 14 wickets fall on day four alone.
England star Ben Duckett looks to the heavens following his dismissal against India
PA
England were dismissed for 192 in their second innings, leaving India requiring 193 runs for victory.
At stumps on day four, India had reached 58 for four, still needing 135 runs to secure the win on the final day.