IND vs SA Test: Jasprit Bumrah faces heat after stump-mic comment on Temba Bavuma sparks debate

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, has unexpectedly landed in the middle of a controversy — not for his performance with the ball, but for a stump-mic remark directed at South Africa captain Temba Bavuma during the first Test at Eden Gardens. A video circulating widely on social media captures Bumrah making a comment immediately after an LBW appeal, where he is heard saying, “Bauna bhi hai b***.”

The clip quickly went viral, drawing criticism from fans who accused Bumrah of mocking Bavuma’s height. This has reignited debate over whether such on-field comments fall foul of ICC rules and if disciplinary action could follow.

The ICC has strict regulations aimed at eliminating discrimination and preserving cricket’s integrity. Its Anti-Discrimination Policy mandates that players uphold values of respect, equality, and professionalism.

Article 2.3 deals with offensive, obscene, or abusive language — especially when broadcast to spectators or picked up by stump microphones.

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Article 2.13 covers personal insults or inappropriate remarks aimed at players, coaching staff, umpires, or match officials.

Both sections highlight the ICC’s firm stance on maintaining decorum and protecting individual dignity. Any unacceptable behaviour, on or off the field, can lead to sanctions.

This is not an isolated example of ICC intervention. In June 2025, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy was fined 15% of his match fee for making an “inappropriate” public remark about TV umpire Adrian Holdstock during a Test series against Australia — a charge he accepted, reaffirming the ICC’s zero-tolerance approach.

With Bumrah’s comment now widely shared, the focus shifts to whether the ICC will interpret his words as a derogatory or discriminatory jibe, or consider it a heat-of-the-moment utterance that does not merit punishment. Given the governing body’s heightened scrutiny of player behaviour and recent past decisions, the verdict on this incident will be watched closely.