Date:21/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/21/stories/2008082151192000.htm

Sport - Cricket

Munaf Patel fined

Dambulla: Indian seamer Munaf Patel has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee for a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second ODI against Sri Lanka here on Wednesday.

Following a hearing conducted by match referee Chris Broad after the match, Munaf was found to have breached clause 2.8 of the Code pertaining to “using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, team official or spectator.”

The incident occurred during the Sri Lankan innings, when Munaf appeared to exchange words with umpire Gamini Silva after the official turned down an lbw appeal against Nuwan Kulasekara.

The charge was laid by the four umpires on duty, Silva and Billy Doctrove, third official Tyron Wijewardena, and fourth umpire R.D. Kottahachchi.

Munaf pleaded not guilty to the charge but admitted to speaking aggressively to the umpire. Said Broad: “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.” — Special Correspondent