By BV Swagath
West Indies Wicket Keeper Denesh Ramdin has been fined 20% of his match fees by the ICC for breaching the Players’ Code of Conduct during the Birmingham Test. Ramdin on the fourth day morning had flashed out a paper which read ‘Yea Viv Talk Nah’ immediately after reaching his second Test Century. The West Indian Wicket Keeper has been found guilty of not upholding the Spirit of the Game according to ICC Match Referee Roshan Mahanama.
The ICC official website has Roshan Mahanama quoted as: "It is important that we do not allow a precedent to be set with such a premeditated celebration by Mr Ramdin. We all understand the importance of celebrating a milestone, however, one should not use that time as an opportunity to hit out at one's critic or send messages to the world.
"I hope Mr Ramdin has learnt his lesson from this incident and that we will not see such behaviour by him or any player in the future when celebrating an achievement within a game of international cricket."
Ironically, Ramdin had a paper in his pocket to remove and display even when he had got his maiden Test Century in 2009. That time though it was more a sign to thank three of his well wishers. This time at Edgbaston, Birmingham, Ramdin was intent to show his displeasure at the criticism he had received from former great - Viv Richards.
