JOHANNESBURG, Oct 17: Garnett Kruger, the South Africa and Lions opening bowler, has been found guilty of breaching Cricket South Africa’s Code of Conduct and has been suspended for one SuperSport Series match.

The disciplinary action arose from statements made by Kruger in The Star newspaper on Sept 7, under the headline: “Proteas are being run by a clique”.

In addition, Kruger made other comments on SuperSport’s Inside Edge television program on Oct 3 which were considered to breach the Code of Conduct.

In recent interview with The Wisden Cricketer South Africa Graeme Smith denied there was any clique operating in the game. “I do find it ironic that people have accused me of not consulting the senior players and being a dictator. Then, when I do consult them a lot, I’m accused of having a clique!

“But I know I haven’t always got the balance right and I am determined to spend more time with each player and not so much with one group.”

Kruger pleaded guilty to the charges will miss the Lions’ match against the Cape Cobras on Nov 8.—Agencies