John Campbell’s Penalty Withdrawn by CWI After Tribunal Review

Cricket West Indies Withdraws Suspension of John Campbell Following Procedural Review

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially withdrawn the four-match suspension imposed on Jamaica Scorpions captain, John Campbell, following a review of disciplinary procedures. The decision stems from a recent hearing of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Tribunal convened to address a separate charge against Barbados Pride captain, Raymon Reifer, related to his conduct during the CG United Super50 Final on November 23, 2024. The Tribunal determined that the process of bringing the charge against Reifer was flawed, thereby precluding a hearing on the merits of the accusation. Although Campbell’s case was not directly before the Tribunal, the procedural issues identified in Reifer’s case prompted CWI to re-evaluate Campbell’s suspension and ultimately rescind it. It is crucial to emphasize that the Tribunal’s concern centered on the procedural aspects of the charge rather than the substance of the allegations themselves. Neither Reifer nor Campbell was exonerated, and the Tribunal offered no judgment on the validity of the accusations.

The CG United Super50 Final, marred by controversy, remains unresolved regarding the allocation of prize money and match fees. CWI’s earlier decision to withhold these disbursements to both teams, due to the match not reaching its conclusion, remains in effect. The Tribunal did not address this financial aspect, leaving CWI’s original decision unchanged. While Campbell’s suspension has been withdrawn, his admission of responsibility and formal apology for his actions remain on record. CWI maintains its commitment to upholding disciplinary standards and the integrity of the game, emphasizing that the withdrawal of the suspension does not diminish the seriousness of breaches of the Code of Conduct.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, acknowledged the Tribunal’s findings and underscored the importance of procedural fairness. While accepting Campbell’s contrition, Bascombe reiterated that the decision to withdraw the suspension was driven by procedural concerns raised during Reifer’s hearing. He stressed that this action does not absolve individuals of responsibility for serious transgressions. Bascombe clarified that the Tribunal did not declare a winner of the disputed final or overturn any match outcome. The decision solely addressed procedural fairness and did not pronounce on the guilt or innocence of the individuals involved. CWI’s commitment to discipline and the integrity of cricket remains steadfast, he emphasized.

In line with the Tribunal’s findings and the principle of consistency, CWI will not pursue further disciplinary action against Raymon Reifer at this time regarding his conduct in the Super50 Final. This decision aligns with the approach taken in Campbell’s case, where the procedural concerns raised by the Tribunal led to the withdrawal of the suspension. The independent panel that constituted the Tribunal was composed of distinguished legal professionals and experienced cricket administrators, including Mr. Justice Patrick Thompson Jr. (Chair), Mr. Justice Dale Staple, Mme. Justice Jacqueline Cornelius-Thorne, Mr. T. Michael Findlay, and Mr. Sylvester Joseph. Their collective expertise and impartiality lent weight to the Tribunal’s findings.

The withdrawal of Campbell’s suspension marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the contentious CG United Super50 Final. While the immediate disciplinary measures have been addressed, the broader questions concerning the match’s outcome and the allocation of prize money remain unresolved. CWI’s decision to uphold its initial stance on withholding disbursements underscores the seriousness with which it regards the unresolved issues surrounding the final. The organization’s emphasis on procedural fairness, while acknowledging the need for accountability, signals its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.

The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to established procedures in disciplinary matters, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and that decisions are made based on due process. While the specific circumstances surrounding the Super50 Final remain clouded in controversy, CWI’s response underscores its commitment to addressing procedural irregularities and maintaining the highest standards of conduct within West Indies cricket. The long-term implications of this incident, and its impact on future disciplinary proceedings, will be closely observed by stakeholders across the cricketing world.