Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been suspended for two matches by Cricket West Indies (CWI) following a public disagreement with captain Shai Hope over field placements during a one-day international against England.
During Wednesday’s match, which West Indies won by eight wickets to secure the three-match series, Joseph left the field in protest over Hope’s field setting during one of his overs.
The two had a lengthy argument before Joseph’s fourth over, and umpires had to intervene to resume play. After a delivery was played to the off side, Joseph expressed his frustration with Hope and walked off the field at the end of the over, returning shortly afterward.
On Thursday, CWI issued a statement declaring that Joseph’s actions fell short of the organization’s “standards of professionalism.”
“Alzarri’s behavior did not align with the core values that Cricket West Indies upholds. Such conduct cannot be overlooked, and we have taken decisive action to ensure the gravity of the situation is fully acknowledged,” said CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe.
Joseph also released an apology, acknowledging his lapse in judgment and expressing regret for disappointing his teammates, management, and fans.
He wrote: “I recognize that my passion got the best of me,” Joseph was quoted as saying in the CWI statement. “I have personally apologized to captain Shai Hope and my teammates and management. I also extend my sincerest apologies to the West Indies fans — understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused.”
With the one-day series now complete, England and West Indies will face off in a five-match Twenty20 series starting Saturday at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexec “daily briefing” newsletter.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
