West Indies coach Daren Sammy raised concerns about the umpiring standards during the first Test match between West Indies and Australia. As a result, Sammy was fined 15% of his match fee for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on the second day of the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 series held in Bridgetown on Thursday.
Daren Sammy was found guilty of breaching Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article addresses “public criticism of, or inappropriate comments regarding an incident occurring in an International Match or involving any Player, Player Support Personnel, Match Official, or team participating in any International Match, regardless of when such criticism or comment is made.”
Additionally, one demerit point has been added to Sammy’s disciplinary record. This was his first offense within a 24-month period.
Daren Sammy Penalized for Criticizing Umpire During Press Conference
Daren Sammy was penalized for criticizing one of the umpires during the press conference at the end of the second day’s play. His criticism concerned several incidents that took place throughout the match.
Daren Sammy admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Javagal Srinath, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, which eliminated the need for a formal hearing.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
Level 1 breaches, such as this, carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum fine of 50 percent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
