Warne Fined Heavily For IPL Contract Breach

Warne Fined Heavily For IPL Contract Breach

Shane Warne has been handed a fine for an IPL contract breach

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Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne has been fined $US 50,000 after he was found guilty of an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract breach.

A hearing was held in Mumbai regarding an incident that occurred following the match between the Royals and the Chennai Super Kings in Jaipur on 11th May.

Warne had been unhappy with the choice of pitch for the match - which Rajasthan went on to lose heavily - and publicly criticised Sanjay Dixit, the honorary secretary of the Rajasthan Cricket Association and a member of the Finance Committee of the Indian board (BCCI).

A statement from the IPL Disciplinary Procedure Commission read as follows:

"The Commission is conscious of the duty of all parties involved in the Indian Premier League, to uphold the image and reputation of the game of cricket, the BCCI and the League at all relevant times. Any action which is a breach of this duty is to be treated with all necessary severity.

"It regards the public criticism of Mr. Dixit as being a serious breach by Mr. Warne of his IPL playing contract. However, at the same time, the Commission also recognises that Mr. Warne has apologised to Mr. Dixit, and that the incident occurred just after the Match.

"In addition, the Commission is cognisant of the contribution to the game of cricket in general, and to the Indian Premier League, which has been made by Mr. Warne.

"The Commission has decided to impose a fine of US$50,000 upon Mr. Warne.

"In doing so, the Commission wishes to stress that any future such occurrences committed by Mr. Warne or any other person may result in the imposition of a fine, which may be higher than that imposed in this case, a ban for a number of matches, and/or the deduction of points from the relevant team."

Warne is set to retire following the Royals' final game against the Mumbai Indians on 20th May.

© Cricket World 2011