Ajmal fined for breach of ICC rule

Pakistan bowler Saeed Ajmal has been found guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct and fined 15 per cent of his match fee following a hearing in Colombo yesterday.

Off-spinner Ajmal was charged under Level 1.6 of the code, which refers to "Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other members of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman."

The charge related to an incident that took place in the 14th over of the Sri Lanka innings during the T20 International between the two sides at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, a match won by Pakistan by 52 runs.

After dismissing the home side's captain Kumar Sangakkara, Ajmal pointed to the pavilion and spoke aggressively to the departing batsman.

The incident was reported by on-field umpires Asoka de Silva and Tyronne Wijewardene as well as third umpire Gamini Silva and fourth official Gamini Dissanayake.

Reflecting on the charge, the guilty verdict and the punishment, Emirates Elite Panel Match Referee Alan Hurst said: "In coming to my decision I took into account the fact the player immediately recognised his error of judgment and apologised to both umpires. He also did so to Kumar Sangakkara after the game.

"The player had no previous instances of this type of behaviour but it was pointed out to him during the hearing that his actions were a clear breach of the ICC Code of Conduct and something seen not only on the replay screen at the ground but also by the many millions of people watching on television around the world.

"This type of action cannot be tolerated as it does not promote the playing of the game in the expected positive spirit."

In addition to the match officials and the player charged, also present at the hearing were Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed, captain Shahid Afridi and coach Intikhab Alam. For Level 1 offences, penalties range from a reprimand up to a fine of up to 50 per cent of the player's match fee. For Level 1 offences, the match referee's decision is final and binding - there is no right of appeal.