25 January,2010 12:59 PM IST | | Agencies
Temperamental India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was today reprimanded by the ICC for kicking an advertising board during the first day of the ongoing second cricket Test against Bangladesh here.
Harbhajan pleaded guilty to contravening Level 1 offence (Section 2.1.2) of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials which relates to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings"
The incident took place when Harbhajan kicked and damaged an advertising board after a misfield while guarding the boundary yesterday.
Match referee Andy Pycroft, however, did not call for a hearing as the off-spinner accepted the decision without contest.
"While giving my verdict, I took into account that Harbhajan admitted his mistake and apologised for his actions," Pycroft said.
"I also accepted Harbhajan's explanation that he had kicked the advertising board in frustration. Professional cricketers try to give their best effort when they are on the field and whenever they don't live up to the standards they have set for themselves, they feel disappointed. However, venting their frustrations in this manner is unacceptable," he said.
