Kevin Pietersen charged for criticising umpire's call in BBL semifinal

3 February, Delhi (CRICKETNMORE): Cricket Australia (CA) advises that Melbourne Stars batsman Kevin Pietersen has been charged with breaching the CA Code of Conduct on 24 January 2017 in his side’s BBL semi-final match against the Perth Scorchers.

Pietersen was reported for breaching CA’s Code of Conduct Article 2.2.3 –  public or media comment that is detrimental to the interests of cricket, irrespective of when or where such comment is made – a level 2 offence.

The offence occurred during the Scorchers’ innings, when batsman Sam Whiteman was given not out following an appeal for caught behind by the Stars, and Pietersen made a comment on the umpire’s decision while wearing a microphone on-field.

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Schedule

Pietersen spoke to Network Ten commentators shortly after Perth batsman Sam Whiteman was give not out following an appeal for caught behind.

"Shocker. Absolute shocker," Pietersen said on air.

As per the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct procedure, the Match Referee, David Talalla, considered the umpires’ written report, and the proposed sanction was a $5,000 fine.

Pietersen accepted the charge but elected to dispute the sanction. This decision was made by Pietersen on Friday 27 January.  On Tuesday 31 January, following receipt of the necessary documentation and consultation with Pietersen and the Melbourne Stars, the Match Referee set the hearing for Thursday 2 February. 

Also Read: Kevin Pietersen rules himself out of IPL 2017 auctions

Match Referee David Talalla considered additional submissions from Pietersen along with video footage and the umpires’ written report and has confirmed in writing the original sanction proposed.

Pietersen now has 48 hours to decide whether to appeal the Match Referee’s decision and have the matter heard by a CA Code of Conduct Commissioner.

News Source: Cricket Australia