Port of Spain: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his public criticism of third umpire Adrian Holdstock following a series of contentious decisions during the first Test against Australia at Kensington Oval.
In a statement issued late Friday, the ICC confirmed that Sammy breached Article 2.7 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to “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 was fined 15 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point, marking his first offence in the last 24 months.
The penalty is classified as a Level 1 breach—the least severe under ICC regulations—which can attract anything from an official reprimand to a 50 per cent match fee fine and up to two demerit points.
The charge was laid by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
Sammy’s comments came during a post-day press conference on Day 2 of the match, where he questioned the consistency and fairness of third umpiring decisions after his side fell victim to two controversial calls.
Both Shai Hope and stand-in captain Roston Chase were given out in questionable circumstances—Hope caught behind despite inconclusive evidence over the clean catch, and Chase adjudged lbw amid doubts over an inside edge.
Earlier in Australia’s innings, a similar appeal involving Travis Head was turned down, further fuelling discontent within the West Indies camp.
“I just want to see consistency,” Sammy said in the presser. “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, raising concerns over the interpretation and application of technology during the decision-making process.
Despite a spirited effort from the home side, West Indies were bowled out for 195 in their second innings, conceding 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, making a formal hearing unnecessary.
