Windies vs India: Kieron Pollard fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

West Indies all-round Kieron Pollard has been fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level One of the ICC Code of Conduct during India’s second T20I game against the West Indies in Florida. Pollard was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an international match.

The incident occurred after the player called a substitute onto the field despite having been repeatedly told by the umpires that a request must be made for a substitute to come onto the field and being advised to wait until the end of the next over. Pollard failed to follow the umpire’s instructions.

The player denied the offence and as such had a formal hearing in front of match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. Pollard was found guilty following the hearing and fined 20% of his match fee and consequently has had one demerit point added to his record.

On-field umpires Nigel Duguid and Gregory Braithwaite, third umpire Leslie Reifer and fourth official Patrick Gustard levelled the charges.

Pollard fires with the bat

Kieron Pollard, meanwhile, has returned to form with the bat for the West Indies with this series. He was their best batsman in the opening T20 International against India after the others collapsed. Pollard’s 49-run knock helped the Caribbean side reach 95 runs after playing out 20 overs and the runs were not enough to restrict the strong Indian batting line-up.

As far as the three-match series is concerned, the Windies have already lost it with India winning the first couple of matches. The third and last game will played in Guyana on Tuesday and the Carlos Brathwaite-led side will be hoping to win and get some confidence back ahead of the ODI series.