Sri Lanka pair Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan have received a slap on the wrist from the ICC for their conduct in their team’s defeat by New Zealand.
Both players pleaded guilty to the charge of excessive appealing during yesterday’s Champions Trophy game in Cardiff, which the Kiwis won by one wicket.
Dilshan (above) and Jayawardene avoided a financial penalty but were hit with an official reprimand.
Andy Pycroft, who sits on the elite panel of match referees, said: “Irrespective of the outcome of an umpire’s decision, players are not entitled to prolonged appeals as these can be construed as pressuring the umpires. Both the players accepted their mistake and apologised for their actions.”
Sri Lanka’s next match is against England at The Kia Oval on Thursday, while New Zealand take on Australia at Edgbaston the day before. Meanwhile, Pakistan were due to meet South Africa in Birmingham today.
