West Indies Coach Daren Sammy Fined, Penalized for Umpire Criticism After Test Match Controversy

Sammy Sanctioned for Umpire Criticism After Contentious Test Decisions

Daren Sammy, the West Indies head coach, has been penalized following his public criticism of third umpire Adrian Holdstock during the first Test against Australia in Barbados. Sammy received a fine amounting to 15 percent of his match fee and was also given a demerit point for violating the ICC Code of Conduct.

Sammy had questioned TV umpire Holdstock's consistency after contentious decisions on Day 2 © Getty

The charges stem from Sammy's remarks regarding the consistency of umpire Holdstock, particularly after controversial decisions against West Indies batsmen Shai Hope and Roston Chase on Day 2 of the Test match.

Sammy's comments, made during a press conference, openly questioned Holdstock's impartiality. "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 stated.

The ICC deemed Sammy's statements a breach of Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct, 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."

Match referee Javagal Srinath proposed the sanction, which Sammy accepted, thereby admitting to the offense.