West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has been fined 15 percent of his match fee and handed a demerit point after he publicly criticized third umpire Adrian Holdstock during the first Test against Australia in Barbados.
The incident took place on Day 2 of the match, following a string of contentious decisions that went against West Indies batters Shai Hope and Roston Chase. Sammy expressed his frustration over what he felt was a lack of consistency in Holdstock’s calls.
“I have noticed, especially with this particular umpire, it’s something that for me started in England. It’s frustrating. I just ask for consistency in the decision-making,” Sammy said during a press conference, where he also delivered more pointed criticism of the TV umpire.
His comments led to a charge under Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which prohibits “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 participating in any International Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made.”
Sammy, who admitted to the offence, accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Javagal Srinath, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
The penalty underscores the ICC’s efforts to maintain respect for match officials and preserve the integrity of on-field decision-making, even as technology-driven calls continue to spark heated debate.
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