ICC rebukes Kevin Pietersen for questioning umpires in T20 international

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reprimanded key England batsman Kevin Pietersen for showing disdain at an umpire's decision during his team’s six-wicket victory over India in a Twenty20 International at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Saturday.

A panel of match referees issued the decision on Sunday after Pietersen acknowledged the breach of the ICC's code of conduct during Saturday's match.

The offence occurred after Pietersen was given out lbw off India's Suresh Raina, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Sri Lanka's Roshan Mahanama of the elite panel of ICC match referees said in a statement: "As an experienced cricketer, Kevin should know that when the umpire raises his finger, a player should leave the crease without showing his emotions no matter what he may think of the decision."

Pietersen's level one offence could have brought a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of his match fee.