ICC Punishes West Indies Pacer Jayden Seales for Hitting Indian Batter Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Case of Inappropriate and Dangerous Conduct
Updated on: Oct 12, 2025 07:28 pm IST
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken decisive action against West Indies pacer Jayden Seales, reprimanding him for an incident that occurred during the second Test against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The incident, which took place on the opening day, involved Seales throwing the ball at Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, resulting in a hit on the pads.
Seales' action was deemed a breach of Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which specifically prohibits throwing a ball (or any other cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match. This is a serious offense, and the ICC has responded accordingly.
As a result of the breach, Seales has been docked 25% of his match fees and has received one demerit point, which adds to his disciplinary record. This is a significant penalty, especially considering that he had already received a demerit point in a previous Test match against Bangladesh in December 2024. The cumulative demerit points tally within a two-year period is now two, which could have further implications for his future in the sport.
The incident occurred during the 29th over when Seales was fielding the ball on his follow-through. He hurled the ball towards Jaiswal, who was the opening batter, and the ball hit him on the pads. Seales argued that he was attempting a run-out, but the match referee, Andy Pycroft, concluded that the throw was unnecessary and inappropriate. Replays from different angles supported this decision, showing that the batter was in his crease when Seales made contact.
The ICC's official statement emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Alex Wharf, and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan all agreed on the charge. The ICC's stance is clear: Level 1 breaches, which include this incident, carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee and one or two demerit points.
Despite the sanction, Seales contested the punishment, leading to a formal hearing. This highlights the importance of fair and transparent processes in sports governance.
The match referee's decision was influenced by the fact that Jaiswal was in his crease, making the throw unnecessary and potentially dangerous. This interpretation sparked a debate about the boundaries of fair play in cricket, inviting discussions on the appropriate conduct of players during matches.
In other news, the West Indies showed resilience after being bundled out for 248 in their first innings. They fought back on Day 3, with John Campbell and Shai Hope leading the charge, frustrating India's efforts to enforce the follow-on. This display of determination adds another layer to the story, showcasing the competitive spirit of the West Indies team.
The match between India and the West Indies has been a closely watched affair, with both teams displaying their skills and strategies. The incident involving Seales and Jaiswal, however, has taken center stage, raising questions about the limits of acceptable behavior on the cricket field and the consequences of crossing those lines.
