Verbal abuse: Patel fined

2008-08-20 18:08

Dambulla, Sri Lanka - India fast bowler Munaf Patel has been fined for verbally abusing an umpire during the second one-day cricket match against Sri Lanka.

The International Cricket Council said on Wednesday that English match referee Chris Broad fined Patel 75% of his match fee after he found the bowler guilty of using "language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature."

The team did not disclose Patel's match fee.

Patel pleaded not guilty to the charge during a disciplinary hearing but admitted to speaking aggressively to the umpire, the ICC said in a statement.

Patel argued with Sri Lankan umpire Gamini Silva after the official turned down an appeal for leg before wicket against batsman Nuwan Kulasekara during Sri Lanka's innings.

"I accept that in international cricket there is a lot of passion but that does not excuse players talking back to umpires in an aggressive manner, as happened in this case," Broad said. "That is unacceptable and I hope this decision and the fine imposed demonstrates that fact."

India won the second one-day international by three wickets to level the five-match series 1-1.

- SAPA