CWI President Prioritizes Integrity

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the game following two instances of ball-tampering involving Guyana Harpy Eagles players during their West Indies Four-Day Championship match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. The incidents, which resulted in fines for veteran spinner Veerasammy Permaul and batsman Kevlon Anderson, cast a shadow over Guyana’s triumphant title win, their third consecutive and eighth in ten years. CWI President Kishore Shallow emphasized the board’s zero-tolerance policy for actions that bring the game into disrepute, stressing the importance of maintaining cricket’s core values of talent, pride, and integrity. The incidents serve as a reminder that while celebrating on-field accomplishments, upholding the spirit of the game remains paramount.

The first incident involved Permaul, who was fined 75% of his match fee for a level-two breach of Law 42.3 of the Laws of Cricket, which pertains to changing the condition of the ball. The charge was laid by on-field umpires Christopher Taylor and Kashif Sandy after the first day of the match. Permaul admitted his transgression and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Michael Ragoonath, obviating the need for a formal hearing. The second incident involved Anderson, who was fined 90% of his match fee for a similar offence on the third day of the match, during Trinidad and Tobago’s second innings. Like Permaul, Anderson accepted the proposed sanction, precluding the need for a formal hearing. In both instances, the ball was replaced, and the batting team was given the option to choose the replacement ball.

Beyond the ball-tampering incidents, Guyanese all-rounder Ronaldo Alimohamed was also fined 65% of his match fee for a level-two breach of the CWI Code of Conduct. Alimohamed’s infraction involved throwing the ball, or an item of cricket equipment, at or near a player or official in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner, a violation of Article 2.1-2.5; Paragraph 3.6 of the Code. This further underscored the need for maintaining discipline and sportsmanship on the field.

Guyana captain Tevin Imlach expressed his disappointment over the incidents, acknowledging that they tarnished the team’s title win. Imlach emphasized that he did not want his team to be perceived as cheaters and stressed the importance of playing hard but fair cricket. He acknowledged that accusations of ball-tampering paint the team in a negative light and detract from their accomplishments. Imlach’s sentiments reflect a commitment to upholding the spirit of the game and maintaining a positive image for Guyana cricket.

Despite the controversies, Guyana secured the championship title with 126.6 points, finishing ahead of Barbados Pride (121.2 points) and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (111 points). While the title win solidified Guyana’s dominance in the four-day format, the ball-tampering incidents served as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct. The CWI’s firm stance on these matters sends a clear message that actions detrimental to the integrity of the game will not be tolerated.

The incidents involving the Guyana Harpy Eagles players highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play within the cricketing world. While the pursuit of victory remains a primary objective, it should never come at the expense of the game’s integrity. The CWI’s swift and decisive action in addressing these breaches demonstrates its commitment to upholding the spirit of cricket and preserving the legacy of West Indies cricket, a legacy built on talent, pride, and integrity. These instances underscore the need for continuous education and reinforcement of the importance of ethical conduct within the sport.