West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against Australia in Barbados. The incident occurred on the second day of the match, part of the ICC World Test Championship series. In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Sammy's disciplinary record; this is his first offense within a 24-month period.
The charge was levied by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite. Sammy was found to have violated Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article relates 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 participating in any International Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made".
The sanction stems from Sammy's criticism of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock during the post-play press conference on Day 2. Sammy voiced his concerns about the consistency of Decision Review System (DRS) rulings after several contentious calls at Kensington Oval. He expressed frustration that his side was on the "sharp end of the stick" regarding two caught-behind decisions referred to Holdstock. Specifically, Sammy questioned why Australia batter Travis Head was given not out, while West Indies wicketkeeper batter Shai Hope was adjudicated out. He also referenced two contrasting lbw referrals involving West Indies' Roston Chase and Australia's Cameron Green.
Sammy stated, "When there's doubt in something, just be consistent across the board... From the images that we're seeing, the decisions are not fair enough for both teams... I just want fairness".
Sammy, who is 41 years old and in his first Test match as West Indies coach, pleaded guilty to breaching the ICC's code of conduct for "public criticism of, or inappropriate comment" toward a match official. He accepted the sanction proposed by Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points. When a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points are converted into suspension points, potentially leading to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first. Demerit points remain on a player's or support personnel's record for 24 months from their imposition, after which they are expunged.
The first Test saw Australia defeat the West Indies by 159 runs. Fast bowler Jayden Seales was also fined 15% of his fee for his send-off to Australian skipper Pat Cummins on Day 1. The second Test is set to begin on Thursday in Grenada.
