An official ICC Media Release has confirmed that Indian fast bowler Gurnoor Brar received an official warning and one demerit point for a Level 1 breach of the Code of Conduct. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. The incident leading up to the fine, took place during the first One Day International (ODI) match against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on July 14, 2026.

Brar was found to have violated Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which penalizes "throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate and or dangerous manner during an international match". This is because after getting hit for a four and six in the earlier over, the 26-year-old pacer fielded a drive from England opener Ben Duckett off his own follow-through.

Upon fielding the delivery, the Indian pacer immediately collected it and aggressively hurled it back at the batter, narrowly missing him in what was deemed an inappropriate and dangerous physical action by the match officials. Following the game, Brar formally admitted to the disciplinary offence and accepted the penal sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Since he conceded the breach without pushback, the ICC confirmed that there was no need for an official, formal hearing regarding the on-field altercation. This penalty represented Brar's first entry on his disciplinary record over a rolling 24-month period.

Gurnoor Brar's breakthrough spell and impressive start to his ODI career

In the first ODI against England on July 14, 2026, Gurnoor Brar delivered an impactful but drama-filled performance. Coming into the attack during the first powerplay, the 26-year-old pacer initially struggled, conceding 26 runs in his first two overs. However, a tactical change of ends paid off instantly. In a single, game-changing over, Brar broke a dangerous 61-run opening partnership by dismissing both England openers, Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett. He finished with vital match-winning figures of 2 for 61 in nine overs. His brilliant spell was cut short when he walked off with a calf injury during the 48th over.

Gurnoor Brar has enjoyed an impressive start to his One Day International (ODI) career for India since making his debut on June 13, 2026, against Afghanistan. Over his first four matches, the 26-year-old right-arm fast bowler claimed 9 wickets at an excellent average of 21.89 and an economy rate of 6.19.

He enjoyed a dream debut in Dharamsala, tearing through Afghanistan's batting lineup to register his career-best figures of 3 for 27. Utilizing his imposing 6'5" frame, Brar has consistently hit the deck hard to generate uncomfortable bounce at speeds clocking near 148 kmph. Most recently against England, he proved his big-match temperament by claiming crucial figures of 2/61.