Shannon Gabriel suspended for 4 ODIs for on-field remark against Joe Root

What's the story?

West Indies pace bowling spearhead, Shannon Gabriel, has been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday evening for four ODIs over his on-field controversial homophobic comments directed towards English captain, Joe Root, in the third Windies-England Test match.

The suspension came after Shannon was given three demerit points, touching the threshold for a ban. He was also fined 75% of his match fee following this incident.

The background

On the third day of the St Lucia Test, Joet Root was heard on stump mic saying to Gabriel, "Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay." Although, there was no audio available about what Gabriel had said to the England captain. Later, Root also denied to reveal the fast-bowler's comment.

The heart of the matter

Taking a dig at Gabriel's offensive remark, ICC charged him under article 2.13, which relates to the personal abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire or match referee during an international match. The 30-year-old accepted the charge, following which he was fined 75% of his match fee.

Gabriel already had 5 demerit points while with an addition of 3 points from this incident, he reached the threshold number and was hence handed a four-match ODI ban.

He was expected to feature for Windies in the five-match ODI series which starts from February 20 at Barbados.

What's next?

Shannon has been the key for the Caribbean side in red-ball cricket. His presence in the limited-overs side would have surely boosted the Windies line-up, however, with this ban, they have to look at other options as they take the field in the series.