BRIDGETOWN — West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for publicly criticizing third umpire Adrian Holdstock following a string of controversial decisions during the first Test against Australia at Kensington Oval.
In a statement released late Friday, the ICC confirmed that Sammy had violated Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits “public criticism or inappropriate comment” related to match officials, players, or incidents during international matches.
As a result, the former West Indies skipper has been fined 15% of his match fee and issued one demerit point, his first disciplinary offense in the past 24 months. The charge qualifies as a Level 1 breach, the lowest level of ICC sanctions, which can carry penalties ranging from a reprimand to a fine of 50% of the match fee and up to two demerit points.
The complaint was filed by the officiating team: on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
Sammy’s remarks were made during a post-Day 2 press conference, where he voiced frustration over two contentious decisions that went against the West Indies—Shai Hope was caught behind despite inconclusive evidence, while stand-in captain Roston Chase was ruled out lbw amid speculation of an inside edge.
Adding fuel to the fire, a similar incident involving Australia’s Travis Head was not upheld, prompting Sammy to question the consistency and transparency of technology-assisted decisions.
“I just want to see consistency,” Sammy said. “If we’re using technology, then use it fairly and transparently for both teams.”
Sammy also reportedly held private talks with match referee Javagal Srinath, seeking clarity on the application of DRS protocols during the match.
Despite a valiant effort, the West Indies fell short, bowled out for 195 in their second innings and suffering a 159-run defeat. Josh Hazlewood starred for Australia, bagging a five-wicket haul and helping his team take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
The ICC stated that Sammy accepted the charges and sanctions, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
