ICC Reprimands Daren Sammy for Code of Conduct Breach

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially censured West Indies head coach Daren Sammy on Saturday for violating its Code of Conduct.

The governing body of cricket announced that Sammy received a fine equivalent to 15% of his match fee due to a Level 1 breach during their 159-run loss to Australia in the recent first Test match.

Sammy voiced considerable reservations regarding the objectivity of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock, particularly concerning several contentious calls made during the game.

Sammy alluded to a potential pattern of partiality, specifically referencing decisions made by Holdstock not only in the present match but also extending back to the recent ODI series held in England.

“I’ve observed a consistent trend, notably with this specific umpire. It originated in England, and it’s quite bothersome. We are simply seeking consistency in how decisions are made,” Sammy commented.

“Ideally, one avoids a scenario where doubts about certain umpires linger. Is there some prejudice against our team? The accumulation of questionable decisions certainly prompts such inquiries. I am aware he is scheduled for the entire series, and entering a Test match with such uncertainty is undesirable,” he elaborated.

His statements contravened Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which addresses “public criticism of, or inappropriate commentary pertaining to an incident in an International Match, or any Player, Player Support Personnel, Match Official, or team participating in any International Match.”

In addition to the match fee deduction, one demerit point has been recorded in Daren Sammy’s disciplinary file.

The ICC further communicated that the West Indies coach admitted to the infraction and accepted the penalties determined by match referee Javagal Srinath, thus precluding the necessity for a formal hearing.

The charges were brought forth by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, along with third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.

For clarification, Level 1 violations can lead to sanctions ranging from an official warning to a fine of up to 50% of a player’s match fee, in addition to one or two demerit points.