Mahela Jayawardene fined for arguing with umpires

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene was fined 10 per cent of his match fee after pleading guilty to a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during his side’s One-day International against Australia in Adelaide today.

Jayawardene was found to have breached Article 2.1.3 of the code of the code which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match” an ICC media release said today.

After Sri Lanka’s eight wickets victory, which has leveled the best-of-the-three final of the three-nation tournament, the opener admitted the offense and accepted the proposed sanction offered to him by Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

Explaining his decision, Mr Broad said: “The actions of Mahela Jayawardene were unacceptable as the ICC code clearly states that whatever may be the situation, you have to always respect and accept an umpire’s decision.

 "It is understandable that Mahela Jayawardene felt disappointed after Farveez Maharoof’s delivery, which had been dispatched for a boundary, was also declared as a no-ball for a full toss above waist height.

 “But as one of the senior most players in world cricket today and also as the captain of his side, Mr Jayawardene must maintain a certain level of self-control and clearly his actions went beyond what would be deemed acceptable.That said, Mr Jayawardene pleaded guilty to the offence and apologized for his actions.”

 The charge had been laid by the on-field umpires Asad Rauf of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Bruce Oxenford of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires as well as third umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Simon Fry.

 The charge related to an incident in the 44th over when Jayawardene, during a consultation between the on-field umpires, argued with their decision to declare a full toss above waist height as a no-ball. The discussion continued for a prolonged period and for the remainder of the over.

 All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee the ICC press release said.