Pietersen’s disappointment at getting out for a royal first ball duck can be understood, especially since his innings was crucial and what followed was Bangalore being beaten by 92 runs while chasing 179. After losing 3 wickets in quick succession, the Bangalore Royal Challengers were at 47 for 3 and were struggling. In addition Muralitharan was to begin his spell and that itself was a royal challenge. That was when Pietersen walked in, and had to walk out no sooner than he faced the first ball. Pietersen faced Muralitharan to a ball that inclined to the off-side and straightened to hit the pads. Umpire Simon Taufel did not think twice before raising a finger and Kevin Pietersen promptly indicated that he had nicked the ball.

Taufel reported the incident to Vishwanath who said it was a level 1 offence according to DLF Indian Premier League’s Code of Conduct. But Pietersen was spared a hefty fine and let off with a warning.

Commenting on the incident, Lalit Modi the Chairman and Commissioner of the Indian Premier League said, “Every incident in the DLF Indian Premier League is being closely monitored and appropriate action being dispensed with almost immediately. We have a zero tolerance policy on player indiscipline and will take all necessary steps to ensure that the game is played in the true Spirit of Cricket. As I have said earlier, cricketers need to realize and quickly that they are huge role models for an entire generation of youth and it is crucial for youngsters all over the world to learn straight away the values of this great game and the spirit in which it should be played. The eyes of the world are on the DLF Indian Premier League and we want to see cricket, and the Spirit of Cricket, at its best.”

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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