West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph has been fined for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against Bangladesh in St Kitts. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday that Joseph was penalized for violating Article 2.3 of the Code, which pertains to the “use of an audible obscenity.”
The incident occurred before the start of play when Joseph used offensive language during an exchange with the fourth umpire. The umpire had cautioned him against stepping onto the pitch with his spikes, prompting the inappropriate response.
As a consequence, Joseph received a fine and one demerit point, marking his second offence in a 24-month period. The pacer admitted to the breach and accepted the proposed penalty, making a formal hearing unnecessary. The decision was finalized in consultation with Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Leslie Reifer, along with third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite. Level 1 breaches under the ICC Code of Conduct carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50% of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
Despite the off-field incident, the first ODI saw a stellar performance from the West Indies. Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive century and skipper Shai Hope’s consistent fifty guided the Windies to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Chasing a target of 295, Hope anchored the innings while Rutherford, scoring his maiden ODI ton, delivered a match-winning knock, marking his fifth successive fifty-plus score.
The West Indies now lead the series 1-0, with both teams looking ahead to the next encounter.