Cricket: Pakistan paceman banned

AQIB JAVED, the Pakistan fast bowler, yesterday became the first player to be suspended under international cricket's year-old code of conduct after swearing at an umpire during the one-day international against New Zealand in Napier.

Aqib, who was suspended for one match, called umpire Brian Aldridge a cheat after a decision had gone against him and will miss the third one-day international at Auckland tomorrow. He will be available for the only Test of Pakistan's Kiwi tour, which starts at Hamilton on Saturday.

The suspension by the match referee, Peter Burge of Australia, completed a disciplinary double for Aqib, the paceman having been the first player to be fined during a Test. Aqib was docked 50 per cent of his match fee ( pounds 150) during last summer's third Test between Pakistan and England at Old Trafford for intimidatory bowling against Devon Malcolm, the No 11 batsman.

Martin Crowe, the New Zealand captain who was at the non- striking end during yesterday's incident, said Aqib had called Aldridge 'a . . . . cheat'. Crowe added: 'I was astonished. What he said was disgraceful.'

The incident happened when Andrew Jones was given not out as New Zealand were on their way to a six-wicket win. A ball from Aqib lobbed off Jones' glove to be caught at slip. But Aldridge signalled a no-ball, ruling that the delivery flew above the height permitted for the one-day series.

ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL (Napier): Pakistan 136-8 (42 overs); New Zealand 137-4. NZ won by six wickets (Three-match series tied 1-1).