PORT ELIZABETH, Feb 9: The ICC Code of Conduct hearing involving Pakistan's Shahid Afridi will take place on Saturday afternoon, it was confirmed late Friday. The hearing will be presided over by ICC match referee Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel and will be held after he and the Pakistan squad arrive in Cape Town from Port Elizabeth, where it played South Africa in the third ODI of the current series on Friday.

Afridi has been charged with a Level 3 offence under section C 2 of the Code which refers to "conduct unbecoming...which could bring (players or officials) or the game of cricket into disrepute."

The charge was laid by ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed and relates to an incident which took place after Afridi was dismissed during the first ODI at Centurion on 4 February. As the player walked up a set of stairs towards the dressing room a spectator apparently said something to him and Afridi reacted by appearing to push his bat at the person in an aggressive manner, causing the spectator to take evasive action.

If found guilty of a Level 3 offence, Afridi faces a ban of between two and four Test matches or between four and eight ODIs. If an appeal is lodged then the player is able to play until it is heard.

Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Imran Nazir has been found not guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his country's ODI against South Africa in Durban on Wednesday. Nazir was charged by the South Africa team management with a Level 1 offence, clause 1.4, which refers to "Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or the making of an obscene gesture."

The alleged incident took place when Nazir and South Africa fast bowler Andre Nel had an exchange of views during the Pakistan innings.

Match referee Broad convened a hearing on Thursday night and after giving the matter further consideration overnight, arrived at his ‘not guilty’ verdict on Friday.

Explaining his decision, Broad said: "There was no doubt that some strong language was used on the field but I felt it was important to take into account the context in which it took place. I formed the view it was a passing remark between two players in the heat of a match and on that basis I decided it did not require action from me.”

The hearing was attended by Imran Nazir, Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and team manager Talat Ali, together with umpire Steve Bucknor, South Africa team manager Goolam Raja and South Africa players Andre Nel, Justin Kemp and Mark Boucher.

Broad also disclosed that he spoke to the captains and team managers of both sides before the start of today's ODI in Port Elizabeth.

"I have seen indications of rising tensions among the two sets of players over the course of the Test and ODI series and I wished to remind everyone of their responsibilities to each other and the game in ensuring everyone upholds the spirit of cricket," he said.—Agencies