Following a disciplinary hearing into an alleged breach of the ICC Umpires Code of Conduct by Mr Hemant Desai during a One Day International match between Kenya and Ireland, Cricket Kenya has suspended Mr Desai from any umpiring duties until 1st November 2012.
A disciplinary panel chaired by Cricket Kenya Chairman, Samir Inamdar, and consisting of CK CEO Tom Sears, ICC Code of Conduct Commissioner Sharad Rao and Kenya Cricket Umpires and Scorers’ Association representative Subhash Modi conducted the hearing on Friday 9th March.
It was alleged Mr Desai assaulted a member of the groundstaff shortly before the match between Kenya and Ireland held on 20th February 2012 at Mombasa Sports Club commenced. The matter had been formally reported by ICC Match Referee, Dev Govindjee, to the ICC Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, who mandated Cricket Kenya to investigate a potential breach of clause 1.6 of the ICC Umpires Code of Conduct.
Mr Desai had denied the allegation that while engaged as an ICC reserve umpire for the fixture he slapped a member of the groundstaff.
After taking into account eye witness statements and interviewing witnesses during the hearing the panel unanimously decided that Mr Desai was in breach of clause 1.6 - ‘Umpires shall not engage in any conduct which is prejudicial to the game of cricket’.
The suspension prevents Mr Desai from officiating or participating in any cricket match held under the auspices of the ICC and/or Cricket Kenya or its Provincial Affiliates until 1st November 2012.
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