WI vs AUS 2025: Daren Sammy fined for criticising third umpire Adrian Holdstock in Barbados Test

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for publicly criticising third umpire Adrian Holdstock following controversial decisions during the first Test against Australia at Kensington Oval in Barbados. The match, which saw Australia win by 159 runs, saw a series of controversial calls that triggered various reactions from the home team.

On Day 2 of the first Test, two decisions went against the West Indies. Roston Chase was adjudged LBW by Holdstock despite visible indications of a possible inside edge, while Shai Hope was given out caught behind off a delivery that looked to touch the ground before being caught by wicket-keeper Alex Carey.

These decisions came a day after Holdstock ruled a low catch taken by Hope off Travis Head as not carried. The series of these moments led to Sammy showing his frustration during the post-day press conference.

"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," he said.

Darren Sammy found guilty

However, the ICC found Sammy guilty of breaching Article 2.7 of its Code of Conduct, which deals with public criticism of match officials. As a result, the former Windies captain was fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point, his first in 24 months. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Holdstock himself, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.

WI vs AUS 2025: Sammy frustrated after contentious decisions

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WI vs AUS 2025: Sammy frustrated after contentious decisions

Sammy accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Javagal Srinath, avoiding a formal hearing. According to ICC rules, Level 1 offences carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum fine of 50% of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

Meanwhile, Captain Roston Chase also expressed his opinion after the match, mentioning that, unlike players, umpires face no consequences for their errors, though no sanction has yet been announced against him.

The decisions had a significant impact on the game. Hope and Chase, dismissed at 48 and 44 respectively, led to the hosts’ momentum being spoiled, eventually contributing to their defeat on Day 3 after Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul.