Cheeky note by Ramdin earns him ICC fine

West Indies’ player Denesh Ramdin found guilty of breaching ICC Code of Conduct and fined. (Photo: Facebook)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Monday June 11, 2012 – A day after being on top of the world after making his second century and marking the highest tailend stand with Barbadian Tino Best, Trinidadian cricketer Denesh Ramdin has been brought crashing down to earth.

The West Indies’ cricketer has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third Test between England and the West Indies, which ended in a draw on Monday at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Ramdin was charged this morning (June 11) with a Level 1 offence, contrary to clause 2.1.8 (a), which relates to “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game”.

Ramdin pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction so there was no need for a formal hearing.

This fine follows Ramdin’s decision to address past criticisms against him by veteran cricketing great Sir Vivian Richards with a note that read: “Yea Viv talk nah”, which he pulled from his pocket and held high on the field for all to see during yesterday’s match.

The incident took place during the West Indies innings in the 121st over while Ramdin was celebrating his second Test century.

Roshan Mahanama of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, explaining his decision, said: “It is important that we do not allow a precedent to be set with such a premeditated celebration by Mr Ramdin. We all understand the importance of celebrating a milestone, however, one should not use that time as an opportunity to hit out at one’s critic or send messages to the world.

“I hope Mr Ramdin has learnt his lesson from this incident and that we will not see such behaviour by him or any player in the future when celebrating an achievement within a game of international cricket.”

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Tony Hill and Kumar Dharmasena and third umpire Aleem Dar, all from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, as well as fourth official David Millns.

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)