India fast bowler Munaf Patel has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee for a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during his country’s ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Wednesday.
Munaf was found guilty of a Level 2 offence by Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Re
ferees at a hearing following the conclusion of the match won by India by three wickets.Munaf was found to have breached clause 2.8 of the Code which refers to “using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, team official or spectator.”
The incident related to remarks made by the player to umpire Gamini Silva after the official turned down an lbw appeal.
During the course of the hearing Munaf pleaded not guilty to the charge but did admit to speaking aggressively to the umpire.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Broad said: “I accept that in international cricket there is a lot of passion but that does not excuse players talking back to umpires in an aggressive manner, as happened in this case.
“That is unacceptable and I hope this decision and the fine imposed demonstrates that fact.”
The charge was laid by the four umpires on duty, Gamini Silva and Billy Doctrove, third official Tyron Wijewardena and fourth umpire RD Kottahachchi. The hearing was attended by Silva, Doctrove and Wijewardena, the player, India team manager Sanjay Desai and India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
The punishment for a Level 2 offence can range from a fine of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee up to a full match fee and/or a ban of one Test or two ODIs.
A player found guilty of a Level 2, 3 or 4 offence has a right of appeal. Such an appeal must be lodged in writing with the ICC’s legal counsel within 24 hours of the player receiving the sanction. Any player who lodges an appeal is free to play pending that hearing.
ICC MEDIA RELEASE