Indian captain faces disciplinary action after verbal outburst

Sourav Ganguly attended a disciplinary hearing with match referee Cammie Smith after India's 46-run victory against Sri Lanka following a verbal outburst after he dismissed Russel Arnold.

Ganguly, who returned today after a one-match suspension for bringing the game into disrepute earlier in the tournament, first lost his cool when Arnold survived a vehement caught behind appeal before directing a stream of verbal abuse at the left-hander when umpire Gamini Silva gave him out lbw next ball.

Cammie Smith spoke to Ganguly, both umpires, Russel Arnold and Mahela Jayawardene, the non-striker, immediately after the match, but will not announce his decision until tomorrow morning.

The Indian captain may well be found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute.

The ICC made it clear that it is the responsibility of the captains to ensure that the game is played "within the Spirit of the Game".

According to the latest Laws of Cricket it is against the Spirit of the Game "to direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire".

Ganguly could face another one-match suspension, possibly worse, if his poor disciplinary record is taken into account. He has been suspended on three occasions so far in his career.

India play New Zealand tomorrow in a crucial encounter, which they must win if they are to qualify for the final of the Coca-Cola Cup.