Smith banned for four ODIs for ICC Code breach

South Africa captain Graeme Smith has been banned for four One-Day International matches for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his side's third One-Day International match against West Indies in Barbados on Wednesday 11 May.

ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe found Smith in breach of Clause C1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for conduct contrary to the spirit of the game on the basis of time wasting in relation to South Africa's over rate.

After a hearing conducted in Trinidad on Thursday, Smith was penalised for South Africa's slow over rate. As this is his second breach of this provision within 12 months, the penalty is automatically upgraded from Level 2 to a Level 3 breach under the ICC Code. His previous breach of this provision was also against West Indies in the ICC Champions Trophy on 18 September 2004.

"Graeme has been warned at a similar hearing last September when in breach and has been advised on numerous occasions that his over rates are too slow including being fined after the second ODI of this series," said Mr Crowe.

In addition to the ban, Smith, as captain, was fined 30 per cent of his match fee for the slow over rate. The other South Africa players were fined 15 per cent of their match fees.

A Level 3 breach of the Code carries a suspension of between 2 and 4 Test matches or 4 to 8 ODI matches. Players have a right of appeal for Level 3 breaches, which must be exercised within 24 hours of notification to the player of the referee's decision. Subject to any appeal, the ban will apply with immediate effect.

Mr Crowe reached his conclusion after a hearing attended by Mr Smith, South Africa team manger Goolam Raja, South Africa selector Haroon Lorgat and match umpires Darrell Hair, Eddie Nicholls and Billy Doctrove.