It’s a tough time for West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph. His inappropriate behaviour during the first ODI against Bangladesh in St Kitts and Nevis has landed him in big trouble.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a major penalty on Alzarri Joseph for indisciplined behaviour, which has become a topic of discussion all over the cricket world.
Why did abusive behavior cost Joseph?
An argument with the fourth umpire before the match landed Alzarri Joseph in trouble. The official prevented him from stepping on the pitch wearing spikes, to which Joseph used abusive and offensive language.
In clear violation of Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, he exchanged inappropriate words with the umpire. This incident has proved to be a black spot in Alzarri Joseph’s career.
The ICC took the matter seriously and took immediate action. Joseph was fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point.
This is a big warning for him as this is his second offence in the last 24 months. The first offence took place during the ODI series against England, which raises questions on his behaviour.
Despite the victory in the game, Joseph is surrounded by a cloud
West Indies played very well on the field. The team restricted Bangladesh to 294 runs and won by 5 wickets. Sherfane Rutherford’s century changed the course of the match. Alzarri Joseph also did well with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets and conceding just 67 runs.
But his inappropriate behaviour became a black spot on the entire performance. The decision was taken in consultation with match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
On-field umpires Kumar Dharmas and Leslie Reifer, third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite monitored the proceedings.
Alzarri Joseph admitted his offence and agreed to the sanction proposed by the ICC. It should be a lesson to them that cricket is not just a game, but a game of respect and discipline. They will have to control their behaviour in the coming matches.
In the next match of the series, West Indies will be eyeing a series win but it will be a challenging time for Alzarri Joseph. Will he be able to improve his performance and behaviour will be interesting to see.
