Haddin, Watson fined for breach of ICC Code of Conduct

Dubai, May 8 (ANI): Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and all-rounder Shane Watson have been fined 15 per cent and 25 per cent of their respective match fees for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during their country's Twenty20 International against Pakistan in Dubai yesterday.

In a hearing convened by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees after play concluded, both players pleaded guilty to contravening Level 1.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials which relates to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision".

The first incident took place in the fifth over of the Australia innings when Watson was given out lbw by umpire Aleem Dar. The player showed dissent by gesturing towards and hitting the bat against his hand. He also continued to make verbal and physical signs of dissent to as he walked off the field.

The second incident took place in the eighth over when Haddin, as non-striker, pointed to his bat towards umpire Zameer Haider when Andrew Symonds was given out lbw. At that point the Australia stand-in captain also claimed to the umpire that "there was bat involved".

"Both players immediately pleaded guilty to the charges and were very apologetic about their actions. While I understand that players will feel frustrated at times, both Brad and Shane were quick to acknowledge that they needed to accept the umpire's decision without gesture or verbal complaint," said Crowe.

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 charge was brought by on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Zameer Haider as well as third umpire Nadeem Ghauri.

Crowe reached his conclusion after a hearing attended by the umpires, the players in question and Australia team manager Steve Bernard. For Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct the ICC match referee's decision is final and binding. (ANI)