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Jasprit Bumrah's 'dwarf' taunt can land him in big trouble as per ICC’s Anti-Discrimination policy

Prachi Rajan

Jasprit Bumrah's 'dwarf' taunt can land him in big trouble (Source: AFP)Jasprit Bumrah's 'dwarf' taunt can land him in big trouble (Source: AFP)

Indian star bowler Jasprit Bumrah is in the spotlight not only for his brilliant bowling but also for a controversial comment caught on the stump mic, raising the question: could this remark land him in trouble under ICC rules? 

In the ongoing first Test played between India and South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens, a video clip has surfaced featuring Bumrah’s on-field remark towards South African captain Temba Bavuma.

After appealing for LBW against Bavuma, Bumrah was caught on the stump mic remarking, “Bauna bhi hai b*****.”

This incident, quickly gaining traction online, has grabbed everyone’s attention—but for the wrong reasons. Many fans have condemned the comment, calling it a taunt about Bavuma’s height.

This raises a crucial question: can this comment or taunt actually land Jasprit Bumrah in trouble under ICC rules?

ICC’s Anti-Discrimination Policy

The ICC’s Anti-Discrimination Policy aims to keep international cricket free from discrimination and requires members to address complaints, promote diversity, and enforce actions to protect the spirit of the game.

The following articles under the ICC’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel state a strong stance on derogatory or discriminatory comments: 

  1. Article 2.3 covers the use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene and/or profane (in any language) and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing public whether by way of the stump-microphone or otherwise.”
  2. Article 2.13 is intended to cover a Player or Player Support Personnel directing language of a personal, insulting, obscene and/or offensive nature at any Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an International Match. It is also intended to cover language of a personal, insulting, obscene and/or offensive nature relating to a family member of the Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee at whom it is directed.

These policies state that its aim is to “maintain the public image, popularity and integrity of cricket” and that “No Inappropriate Conduct is to be tolerated, whether at International Matches… or at any other times.”

When WI coach was scrutinized for public criticism of a match official 

Only a few months back in June 2025, West Indies coach Daren Sammy was fined 15% of his match fee after publicly criticizing TV umpire Adrian Holdstock during the first Test against Australia in Barbados.

The 41-year-old, in his first match as West Indies’ Test team coach, pleaded guilty to breaching the ICC’s code of conduct for “public criticism of, or inappropriate comment” toward a match official.

Now, it will be compelling to see whether ICC takes a stance on Jasprit Bumrah’s comment and marks it as derogatory or dismisses it.