October 12, 2003	Sunday	Sha'aban 15, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 11: South Africa were dealt a big blow on the eve of their crucial One-day International against Pakistan when their captain Graeme Smith and all-rounder Andrew Hall were handed bans by Match Referee Clive Lloyd for breaching the ICC’s code of conduct.

Smith was banned for one International and fined 50 per cent of his match fee while Hall was given an even harsher penalty ‘a one International and two Test ban’ which means he is out for the rest of the tour.

Pakistan batsman, Yousuf Youhana was slapped with a fine of 50 percent of his match fee. The three players were involved in an ugly incident during the second ODI at Lahore after Hall elbowed Youhana and then Smith joined in using offensive language. Pakistan won that match by 42 runs.

The penalties were imposed following a hearing held after Friday’s fourth match in Rawalpindi that South Africa won by six wickets to level the five-match series 2-2.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed, based on video evidence, had charged the players.

“Having considered all of the evidence I have found all three players to be in breach of the ICC code of conduct,” Lloyd said.

Smith was found to be guilty of a Level 2 offence relating to the use offensive language and Hall violated two breaches of the code. The first was a Level 2 breach for “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact” and the second a Level 3 offence for conduct that brings the game into disrepute.

Youhana on the other hand was found guilty of a Level 1 offence of bringing the game into disrepute.

“The provisions of the code are there to ensure that the game is played in the right spirit and the penalties imposed reflect the fact that on this occasion these players acted in a manner that was not consistent with their obligations as professional cricketers,” Lloyd said.

“They need to be aware at all times that it is part of their professional duty to convey the right image to the public, particularly young fans, and that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Both teams play last match of the one-day series on Sunday in Rawalpindi that is to be followed by two Tests, one in Lahore and the second in Faisalabad.

Meanwhile, South Africa will appeal against all rounder Andrew Hall’s two-match Test suspension imposed after confrontations during a one-day international against Pakistan.

“We will be appealing the two tests ban in the given time limit with the match referee,” team spokesman Geralk de Kock said on Saturday after a team meeting.