Munaf fined, Harbhajan warned for arguing with umpires

Mumbai Indians' Munaf Patel was docked 25 per cent of his match fee and his captain Harbhajan Singh handed a warning for breach of the IPL Code of Conduct following the heated and prolonged argument they had with the umpires during their side's match against Deccan Chargers in Visakhaptnam on Monday.

Deccan captain Kumar Sangakkara was clearly dismissed off the bowling of Munaf in the match, the ball hitting the off-stump, but the field umpires thought the bails were dislodged after the ball ricocheted off Mumbai wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik.

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An agitated Harbhajan and Munaf rushed up to the umpires and apparently asked them why they did not refer the matter to the third umpire if they were not sure of the decision.

The umpires eventually made a referral to the third umpire who adjudged Sangakkara out.

"Mumbai Indians player Munaf Patel was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and received an official warning and reprimand for breaching the DLF Indian Premier League Code of Conduct during his team's match against Deccan Chargers in Vishakhapatnam on Monday night," read a statement from the IPL.

"Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh received an official warning and reprimand for breaching the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during the same match," it added.

Both players admitted to the Level 1 offence (Article 2.1.3) of showing dissent at an umpires decision and accepted their respective sanctions.

In the same match, Deccan Chargers' pacer Dale Steyn also received an official warning and reprimand for the Level 1 offence (Article 2.1.6) of pointing and gesturing towards the pavilion after the dismissal of T Suman in the second over of the Mumbai Indians innings.

Steyn admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction.

All of the three cases were dealt with by Match Referee Graeme La Brooy in accordance with the IPL Code of Conduct. Being Level 1 breaches, his decision in each case is final and binding.