News

Andre Nel receives suspension and fine

Andre Nel pleaded guilty today to a charge of contravening Paragraph 1.5.2 of the Rules and Code of Conduct of the UCBSA in terms of which Nel was charged with unbecoming or detrimental conduct which could bring him, the Board or the game of cricket

Andre Nel pleaded guilty today to a charge of contravening Paragraph 1.5.2 of the Rules and Code of Conduct of the UCBSA in terms of which Nel was charged with unbecoming or detrimental conduct which could bring him, the Board or the game of cricket into disrepute.
The Chairman of the Legal Committee of the UCBSA, Brandon Foot, confirmed that Nel had entered the guilty plea at a Disciplinary Hearing of the Committee today.
The charge related to an incident which occurred on the 11th of April 2003 in Hobart, Tasmania as a result of which Nel was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol while a member of the South Africa "A" Cricket Team during its tour of Australia.
Nel was found guilty of the charge and the following sentence was handed down by the Committee against Nel:-
1. The payment of a fine commensurate with the match fees that Nel was to have been paid by the UCBSA for his participation in the South Africa "A" Tour of Australia. Such fine amounts to R17 280;
2. His suspension from participating in six cricket matches played under the auspices of the United Cricket Board of South Africa following the incident which occurred on the 11th of April 2003.
2.1 For the sake of clarification, such matches are to include matches to be played by the South African National Team whether of a Test Match or One Day International nature, and/or;
2.2 Matches to played by South Africa "A" whether of a First Class or One Day nature, and/or;
2.3 Provincial and Domestic matches to be played by the province which Nel represents in First Class and Limited Overs Domestic Competitions played under the auspices of the UCBSA; whichever of the said three categories of matches may first occur.
2.4 For the purposes of this suspension, the three matches in which Nel was due to compete for South Africa "A" in Australia, prior to his withdrawal from such tour, will be taken into account and accordingly such suspension will apply for three further such matches as mentioned above.
3. Nel is directed to attend a comprehensive Life Skills Programme under the auspices of the Sports Science Institute of the University of Cape Town.
This sentence seeks to achieve an appropriate blend of punishment with a sincere attempt to re-habilitate Nel, given his pattern of misconduct in recent years and his obvious potential as a cricketer.
Nel has indicated to the Committee that he accepts the outcome of the hearing and that he does not intend appealing against it.
The Legal Committee expressed concerns around management issues and will make recommendations in this regard to the Chief Executive Officer of the UCBSA.