Kaneria warned for offensive language

Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria has been found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct on day two of the SCC Test. He was reprimanded by match referee Alan Hurst for abusing Sri Lankan allrounder Angelo Mathews in a hearing that took place after the day's play.

Kaneria was found to have breached clause 1.4 of the Code which relates to "using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting". The charge was brought by the on-field umpires Ian Gould and Simon Taufel, who were present at the hearing by along with Kaneria, third umpire Gamini Silva, Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed and captain Younis Khan.

The incident took place in the 45th over of the Sri Lankan first innings when Kaneria was heard to abuse Mathews after dismissing the batsman. Kaneria, who took five wickets on his return to the Test side, pleaded guilty in the hearing.

All Level 1 offences carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee. In such cases, the match referee's decision is final and a player does not have a right of appeal.