Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was a hot topic surrounded with controversy, not for his excellent bowling, but for a comment that was recorded on the stump mic and got him into trouble in the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens. A video clip has come to light in which Bumrah appears to be making a comment on the field that is directed towards the South African captain Temba Bavuma, thus causing a debate about whether the ICC could discipline him.
After an LBW appeal against Bavuma, Bumrah was recorded on the stump mic saying: "Bauna bhi hai b*****. This statement, which a large number of viewers construed as a taunt at Bavuma's height, was quickly circulated on social media platforms and attracted loud criticism.
Could Jasprit Bumrah face ICC action?
The viral clip has raised an important question: does the remark breach the ICC’s Code of Conduct? The ICC’s Anti-Discrimination Policy is designed to keep international cricket free from discrimination and requires all members to address complaints, promote inclusivity and uphold the integrity of the sport.
Two specific articles under the ICC Code of Conduct apply to situations involving derogatory or inappropriate comments:
Article 2.3 addresses the use of words that are offensive, obscene or profane especially when such remarks are audible to spectators or viewers through stump mics or broadcast audio.
Article 2.13 covers personal, insulting, obscene or offensive language directed at players, support staff, umpires or match referees, including comments about a person’s physical attributes or family members.
Basically, these regulations have been put in place to "preserve the public image, popularity, and moral standards of cricket," with the ICC openly stating that any disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated at international games or in any other situations.
It was only six months ago, to be exact, in June 2025, that West Indies coach Daren Sammy had 15% of his match fee impounded as a penalty for airing his disapproval of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock in a Test against Australia in Barbados. Sammy acknowledged that he had infringed the ICC code by "public criticism or inappropriate comment" of a match official.
Considering that example, the question is whether the ICC will be looking at Bumrah's stump-mic comment to see if it is a breach or deciding that there is no need for action.
Will Jasprit Bumrah face ICC action for stump-mic comment on Temba Bavuma?
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was a hot topic surrounded with controversy, not for his excellent bowling, but for a comment that was recorded on the stump mic and got him into trouble in the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens. A video clip has come to light in which Bumrah appears to be making a comment on the field that is directed towards the South African captain Temba Bavuma, thus causing a debate about whether the ICC could discipline him.
After an LBW appeal against Bavuma, Bumrah was recorded on the stump mic saying: "Bauna bhi hai b*****. This statement, which a large number of viewers construed as a taunt at Bavuma's height, was quickly circulated on social media platforms and attracted loud criticism.
Could Jasprit Bumrah face ICC action?
The viral clip has raised an important question: does the remark breach the ICC’s Code of Conduct? The ICC’s Anti-Discrimination Policy is designed to keep international cricket free from discrimination and requires all members to address complaints, promote inclusivity and uphold the integrity of the sport.
Two specific articles under the ICC Code of Conduct apply to situations involving derogatory or inappropriate comments:
Article 2.3 addresses the use of words that are offensive, obscene or profane especially when such remarks are audible to spectators or viewers through stump mics or broadcast audio.
Article 2.13 covers personal, insulting, obscene or offensive language directed at players, support staff, umpires or match referees, including comments about a person’s physical attributes or family members.
Basically, these regulations have been put in place to "preserve the public image, popularity, and moral standards of cricket," with the ICC openly stating that any disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated at international games or in any other situations.
It was only six months ago, to be exact, in June 2025, that West Indies coach Daren Sammy had 15% of his match fee impounded as a penalty for airing his disapproval of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock in a Test against Australia in Barbados. Sammy acknowledged that he had infringed the ICC code by "public criticism or inappropriate comment" of a match official.
Considering that example, the question is whether the ICC will be looking at Bumrah's stump-mic comment to see if it is a breach or deciding that there is no need for action.