Kieswetter officially reprimanded for Code of Conduct breach

South Africa player Craig Kieswetter has received an official reprimand for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his country's match against Nepal in the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Kieswetter was found guilty of breaching 1.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct by ICC Match Referee Roshan Mahanama in a hearing after play concluded in Colombo on Thursday.

The Code of Conduct clause refers to the showing of dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse.

The charge related to Kieswetter's reaction after an appeal for a stumping was turned down during the Plate Championship semi-final at Nondescripts Cricket Club.

"The player apologized for any offence he may have caused but I reminded him there is a thin line between disappointment and dissent and his reaction is not what is expected of an international cricketer," said Mr Mahanama.

"Players at this level are on a learning curve and they need to learn now the importance of restraint and also the need to accept the umpire's decision, whether they like it or not. This is the basis on which cricket is played."

All Level 1 offences carry a maximum penalty of an official reprimand at the ICC U/19 World Cup 2006.

However, if Kieswetter commits another Level 1 offence within the next 12 months it will automatically be upgraded to Level 2 which carries with it the threat of suspension if found guilty.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Shahul Hameed and Tyron Wijewardena and reserve official Sena Nandiweera. The hearing was attended by the three officials, Roshan Mahanama, South Africa team manager Jay Naidoo, captain Dean Elgar and Craig Kieswetter.

For Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct the ICC Match Referee's decision is final and binding.