Tribunal Chair David King laid down the rules for the hearing with all parties urged to respect the reading of statements and listen without interruption.
Charges were read out
Both umpires read out prepared statements (attached) and outlined the issues of the day and the behaviours during and after the match, which created a tense atmosphere, initially over a poor over rate with the Armadale Captain (DC) appearing to argue this on the field, whereby he was moved away from them by one of his players.
Both umpires claim they were accused of cheating, and not umpiring fairly during, being against them during the game, Umpires went to shake hands after the game, but this was refused.
The umpires went to the Armadale team to try to settle the situation down but felt intimidated by the behaviour of the players there and things seemed to have escalated.
The umpires decided to go back to the score books and then discuss with the Armadale Captain and advised him they did not appreciate the language that as used toward them.
Dwarakanath Canakapallinaga refuted this and it was decided to place him on report.
The Report form was completed and handed to Dwarakanath Canakapallinaga to sign, he confirmed the spelling of his name, and refused to sign the form as he disagreed that he had called then cheats.
Dwarakanath Canakapallinaga responded that he was unaware of some of the behaviours given he was in the rooms and had used the rest room during some of this discussion with his team, he again denied calling the umpires cheats and unaware of any of his team doing the same, but said he felt the match had been umpired “not at the standard expected”. Dwarakanath Canakapallinaga advised his reputation and behaviour was impeccable to this point and any issues were an anomaly of a tense match.
Armadale Captain felt ignored during the match, and reiterated he was not there at some of the events described.
Dwarakanath Canakapallinaga also accepted that not shaking hands was incorrect and apologised for this. He was concerned at the impact on his character.
Reddy.K Marmashetti his advocate vouched for his character as calm and composed and had never been in a situation like this or been reported at anytime and was a good community member.
The panel reviewed the details statement sand asked some questions to gain context of the atmosphere of the game.
An email statement was read out by Steve Nichols (Armadale) who was at the game corroborating the umpires’ statements of poor behaviour and dissent shown by the Armadale team
David King: reiterated the bylaws were specific on over rate, spirit of cricket and behaviours, as Captain he needed to be aware of the rules/by-laws and as Captain he had a duty to control his players.
All persons were then asked to leave the room whilst the panel deliberated.
Dwarakanath Canakapallinaga called back and advised the charge had been upheld and the 12 playing day penalty remains, although 4 playing days have been suspended for 2 years.