Afridi handed four-match ban

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been banned for four one-day internationals after being found guilty of breaching the ICC's code of conduct during the recent clash with South Africa.

Afridi was involved in an altercation after he was dismissed during the first ODI at Centurion, when he appeared to wave his bat in the face of a spectator who had barracked him.

ICC match referee Chris Broad said: "Such an act is completely unacceptable and on that basis I found the player guilty of the level-three offence."

Broad also made a point about the circumstances, adding: "For the record, I do not believe spectators should be that close to the players or that they should feel they can shout whatever they like and think that is acceptable.

"That is a view I have expressed to Cricket South Africa."

Players found guilty of a level two, three or four offence have a right of appeal.

Such an appeal must be lodged in writing with the ICC's legal counsel within 24 hours of the player receiving the original verdict.

If an appeal is lodged then the player may continue to play until the verdict of that appeal is given.