West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph has been fined 25% of his match fee for breaching Level One of the ICC Code of Conduct during first ODI against Bangladesh in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Joseph was found to have violated Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the “use of an audible obscenity.”
The incident took place before the start of play, when Joseph used offensive and abusive language during an exchange with the fourth umpire.
The umpire had asked Joseph to avoid stepping onto the pitch with his spikes on, which prompted the inappropriate language.
As a result of the breach, Joseph has also received one demerit point, marking his second offence in a 24-month period. The sanction was accepted by Joseph, who admitted to the offence and agreed to the proposed penalty.
This decision was made in consultation with Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, and no formal hearing was deemed necessary.
The charge was levied by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Leslie Reifer, third umpire Asif Yaqoob, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
Level One breaches under the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Storming off the field
Just last month, Joseph was handed a two-match suspension by Cricket West Indies after storming off the field during the opening powerplay of the third ODI between West Indies and England, seemingly fuming with the field he had been given to bowl to.
“I recognise that my passion got the best of me,” Joseph said after the suspension was imposed.
“I have personally apologised to captain Shai Hope, my teammates and management. I also extend my sincerest apologies to the West Indies fans- I understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused.”
