ICC Imposes Fine on West Indies Coach Daren Sammy for Criticizing Umpires Following First Test Against Australia
UPDATE: Daren Sammy Fined and Slapped with a Demerit Point
In a shocking turn of events, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy finds himself in hot water after a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during Day 2 of the first Test against Australia at Bridgetown. The 41-year-old criticized a match official for incidents throughout the day, violating Article 2.7 of the Code, which prohibits public criticism or inappropriate comments regarding an incident in an international match or any player, player support personnel, match official, or team participating in one.
As punishment, Sammy was fined 15% of his match fee and received a demerit point, his first offense in a 24-month period. The penalty was proposed by ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees member, Javagal Srinath, after the charge was levied by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock (the same official recieving Sammy's criticism), and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
Level 1 offenses usually carry a reprimand, and fines up to 50% of match fees, plus one or two demerit points.
The Australian team celebrated a 159-run win when West Indies lost all ten wickets in the final session on Day 3, while attempting to chase a 301-run target. The match was a rollercoaster of twists and turns, with both teams putting up a fierce fight.
The second Test begins on Thursday, 3rd July at The National Cricket Stadium in St. George's, adding another layer of intrigue to an already intense series. West Indies players have already called for penalties in response to perceived umpiring errors, with tensions seemingly running high.
This incident underscores the ICC's strict policy on public criticism of officials during international matches, aiming to maintain respect and discipline in the sport. Let's see if Sammy can bounce back and guide his team towards a victory in the upcoming Test.
Despite the disciplinary action, Daren Sammy's criticism of a match official is a reminder that sports, such as cricket, have codes of conduct to ensure fair play and maintain respect among all participants. The incident serves as a warning for future adherence to the rules regarding public criticisms during international matches.
