Alzarri Joseph faces a two-match suspension after an on-field dispute with captain Shai Hope. © Twitter (@anmargboyce)
Bridgetown, Barbados – In a dramatic turn of events during the third one-day international (ODI) against England, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been handed a two-match suspension following a confrontation with team captain Shai Hope. The incident, which took place on the field, saw Joseph visibly frustrated with the field placements set by Hope, leading him to walk off the field mid-game — an unusual and significant move in the cricketing world.
The 27-year-old pacer’s irritation was evident when he dismissed England’s Jordan Cox without celebration, showing his discontent with the field setup during his fourth over. Adding to the tension, Joseph briefly left the field at the end of his over, leaving his team with only ten players for the next over. Later in the match, he left the field again after two misfields off his bowling.
In a public statement, Joseph expressed remorse, saying, “My passion got the best of me. I understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused.” Joseph apologized to Hope, his teammates, management, and West Indies fans.
Cricket West Indies director of cricket, Miles Bascombe, reinforced the decision, emphasizing that Joseph’s behaviour “did not align with the core values” of the West Indies team. “Such conduct cannot be overlooked, and we have taken decisive action to ensure the gravity of the situation is fully acknowledged,” Bascombe said.
The incident didn’t overshadow the West Indies’ commanding performance on the field as they secured a resounding eight-wicket victory over England, clinching the ODI series 2-1 in front of a home crowd in Barbados. This win has sparked fresh enthusiasm among West Indies fans ahead of the upcoming five-match T20 series against England, with the first two games set to take place this weekend in Barbados.
As the West Indies team prepares to unite again, fans and cricket experts will observe how the team and Alzarri Joseph recover from this surprising setback.
