COLOMBO: Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for an “offensive” snub of the umpires’ authority during his team's 16-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the World Twenty semi-finals on Thursday.

The incident took place in the 17th over of Pakistan’s innings when Umar, who was the non-striker, ignored both on-field umpires’ request and went ahead to change his batting gloves.

“Respect for the umpires is integral and is something which we always emphasise and encourage,” said match referee Jeff Crowe. “In this incident, Umar showed blatant disregard to both the umpires’ requests, which was offensive and unacceptable from an international cricketer and contrary to our unique spirit, hence a level two charge was laid. Umar, when pleading guilty, apologised and regretted his action.”

Umar was found to have breached the ICC code of conduct, article 2.2.11, which relates to “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game”.

Umar finished the game at the Premadasa stadium unbeaten on 29 as his team failed to chase down a 140-run victory target.

Sri Lanka will face either Australia or West Indies in Sunday’s final.