West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph Suspended for On-Field Incident Against England
West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has received a two-match suspension following an on-field incident during the West Indies’ ODI series win against England.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the disciplinary action on Thursday, citing “conduct falling short of CWI’s standards of professionalism” after Joseph abruptly walked off the field at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Wednesday.
Incident During Crucial ODI Victory
The incident occurred in the fourth over when Joseph, after taking the wicket of England’s Jordan Cox, left the pitch, apparently frustrated with the field setup managed by West Indies captain Shai Hope. This left the West Indies team temporarily down to 10 players. Joseph returned two overs later, but the brief walk-off led CWI to take decisive action against the player.
CWI’s Firm Response to Unprofessional Conduct
CWI’s director of cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized that Joseph’s behavior did not align with the organization’s core values. “Alzarri’s behavior did not align with the core values that Cricket West Indies upholds,” Bascombe stated, adding that such actions could not be ignored.
Joseph’s Apology to Team and Fans
Joseph, acknowledging his lapse, apologized to his teammates and fans. “My passion got the best of me,” he said, extending his “sincerest apologies” to the team and the fans. He added, “I understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused.”
The West Indies’ disciplinary measures reflect their commitment to upholding professionalism and sportsmanship, as the team focuses on maintaining their positive momentum in international cricket.
