West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his public criticism of third umpire Adrian Holdstock. This censure followed a series of contentious decisions during the first Test against Australia at Kensington Oval.
In a statement released late Friday, the ICC confirmed that Sammy had violated Article 2.7 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article specifically addresses “public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in an international match or any player, player support personnel, match official or team.”
The former West Indies captain incurred a 15 per cent fine of his match fee and received one demerit point. This marks his first offense within the last 24 months. The penalty falls under a Level 1 breach—the least severe category under ICC regulations—which can lead to sanctions ranging from an official reprimand to a 50 per cent match fee fine and up to two demerit points.
The charge was jointly laid by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
Sammy’s comments were made during a post-day press conference on Day 2 of the match. There, he questioned the consistency and fairness of third umpiring decisions after his side was impacted by two controversial calls. Both Shai Hope and stand-in captain Roston Chase were given out under questionable circumstances: Hope was caught behind despite inconclusive evidence regarding the cleanliness of the catch, and Chase was adjudged lbw amidst doubts about an inside edge. Earlier in Australia’s innings, a similar appeal involving Travis Head had been turned down, further intensifying discontent within the West Indies camp.
“I just want to see consistency,” Sammy stated during the press conference. “If we’re using technology, then use it fairly and transparently for both teams.” Sammy reportedly also discussed the matter with match referee Javagal Srinath, expressing concerns over the interpretation and application of technology in the decision-making process.
Despite a spirited effort from the home side, West Indies were bowled out for 195 in their second innings, resulting in a 159-run defeat on Day 3. Australia’s victory was spearheaded by pacer Josh Hazlewood, who claimed a five-wicket haul, helping his side take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
The ICC noted that Sammy admitted to the charge and accepted the sanctions, thus rendering a formal hearing unnecessary.
