West Indies head coach Darren Sammy has been fined by the ICC for his public criticism of third umpire Adrian Holdstock following several controversial decisions during the first Test against Australia in Barbados. Sammy, who was visibly upset after Day 2, made remarks questioning the fairness and consistency of umpiring, especially after three key decisions went against the West Indies.
The ICC found Sammy in breach of Article 2.7 of the Code of Conduct, which prohibits “public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to... Match Officials.” As a result:
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Sammy was fined 15% of his match fee
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He received one demerit point — his first offence in the past 24 months
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He accepted the sanction proposed by Match Referee Javagal Srinath, after the charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, TV umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite
The Controversial Moments:
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Day 1 – Travis Head was ruled not out on 53 after a sharp catch appeal by Shai Hope behind the stumps. Third umpire Holdstock said there wasn’t conclusive evidence the ball carried, despite replays suggesting otherwise.
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Day 2 – Roston Chase was declared lbw to Pat Cummins, even though replays showed a clear inside edge onto the pad.
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Later that day – Shai Hope was controversially given out caught behind off Beau Webster, with a low take by Alex Carey upheld.
These calls proved pivotal as the West Indies struggled with momentum and ultimately lost the match by 159 runs. Sammy voiced his frustration post-match:
"You don't want to get yourself in a situation where you're wondering about certain umpires. Is there something against this team? But when you see decision after decision, then it raises the question."
Sammy also met with Match Referee Srinath after Day 2 to formally express his concern.
Additionally, West Indies captain Roston Chase joined in the criticism, calling for the ICC to impose penalties on umpires for clear and repeated errors:
"There has to be some accountability from the officials too. Just like players face consequences, so should they."
The incident has reignited the long-standing debate on umpiring standards and accountability, especially after the abolition of the neutral umpire mandate in recent years. The ICC has yet to respond to Chase’s request for action against the match officials.
