Kevin Pietersen penalised for criticising umpire in BBL

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has been charged for breaching the Cricket Australia (CA) Code of Conduct during his Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Melbourne Stars' seven-wicket defeat against the Perth Scorchers in the semi-finals of the league at the WACA Ground last month.

Pietersen was reported to have breached CA's Code of Conduct Article 2.2.3, which relates to "public or media comment that is detrimental to the interests of cricket, irrespective of when or where such comment is made - a level 2 offence."

The incident took place during the Scorchers' innings, when batsman Sam Whiteman was given not out following an appeal for caught behind by the Stars, and Pietersen made a comment on the umpire's decision while wearing a microphone on-field.

"That was a shocker, an absolute shocker," Pietersen was heard saying while fielding during the Scorchers' run chase.

As per the CA Code of Conduct procedure, Match Referee, David Talalla, considered the umpires' written report, and the proposed a fine of 5,000 dollars.

Pietersen accepted the charge but elected to dispute the sanction, resulting in a hearing on Thursday.

In accordance with the Code, the Match Referee has two days from the conclusion of the hearing to announce his decision in writing, with reasons.

Match Referee David Talalla considered additional submissions from Pietersen along with video footage and the umpires' written report and has confirmed in writing the original sanction proposed.

Pietersen now has two days to decide whether to appeal the Match Referee's decision and have the matter heard by a CA Code of Conduct Commissioner.