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Dwayne Bravo fined for ICC Code of Conduct breach

June 25, 2008 19:21 IST

West Indies' all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching the ICC's Code of Conduct during his side's ODI against Australia in St Vincent on Tuesday.

The penalty was handed down by Roshan Mahanama of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees following a hearing that took place after the match which Australia won by 84 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

The player was charged under clause 1.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct which refers to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision".

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Asad Rauf and Billy Doctrove of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, as well as third umpire Clyde Duncan and fourth umpire Goaland Greaves.

It related to the aftermath of Bravo's dismissal, out lbw off Australia's Michael Clarke. After umpire Asad raised the finger, the player openly showed dissent at the decision by standing his ground before leaving the field while shaking his head.

Bravo pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Explaining his decision after the hearing, Mr Mahanama said: "There was a lengthy delay until Dwayne Bravo finally departed the crease when he was given out. When the umpire's finger goes up, the batsman must go without delay regardless what he thinks of the decision.

"That is one of cricket's most fundamental principles and Bravo's failure to adhere to that principle, especially given the message his action sends out to the millions of people watching both at the ground and on television, merited some form of action."

The hearing was attended by the four umpires named above, the player concerned, West Indies captain Chris Gayle and team manager Omar Khan.

A Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to the equivalent of 50 per cent of a player's match fee.

In the case of Level 1 breaches of the code the match referee's decision is final and there is no right of appeal.

The ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Officials can be found at: http://icc-cricket.yahoo.com/about-icc/rules-regulations.html

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