New Zealand’s all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been fined by the International Cricket Council for ‘Audible Obscenity’. The all-rounder was fined 15 percent of his match fees. The instance occurred during the first Test match between West Indies and New Zealand in Hamilton.
On December 6, the governing body of cricket published a media release on their website to notify the sanctions. According to ICC, Audible Obscenity comes under Article 2.3 of their bylaws.
Article 2.3 explains the rule as: “The use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene, and/or profane (in any language) and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing public whether by way of the stump-microphone or otherwise. This conduct may include, for example, swearing in frustration at one’s own play or fortune.”
The instance of Audible Obscenity occurred during the 62nd over of West Indies’s first inning. It was pacer Neil Wagner’s 13th over when Daryl used some inappropriate language when West Indies’ skipper Jason Holder was running between the wickets and in close proximity to him.
Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction endorsed by the ICC Cricket Operations Department. The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney, Wayne Knights, and TV umpire Christopher Brown, according to ICC’s statement.
There would be no formal hearing by the ICC as the cricketer has accepted the sanctions to be pleaded guilty.
New Zealand won that match by 134 runs and an innings. The Man of the Match was Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson who scored 251 not out. Other standout performers were Jermaine Blackwood, Tim Southee, and Neil Wagner. The West Indian scored a ton while Southee and Wagner took five and six wickets respectively.