Daren Sammy Sanctioned for Public Umpire Criticism, Receives Demerit Point

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has been penalized following comments made about third umpire Adrian Holdstock during the first Test against Australia.

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

Sammy has been fined 15 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred on Day 2 of the Test match in Barbados.

The charge relates to Sammy's public criticism of third umpire Adrian Holdstock's consistency after controversial decisions against batsmen Shai Hope and Roston Chase.

Sammy voiced his concerns stating, "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." These remarks were made during a press conference following the day's play.

The ICC deemed Sammy's comments a breach of Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article 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."

Match referee Javagal Srinath proposed the sanction, which Sammy accepted. By accepting the sanction, no formal hearing was required.