Rayudu banned for semi-final

Rayudu can only watch from afar as India take on Pakistan

Ambati Rayudu, the captain of India's U19 side, will miss the semi-final against Pakistan after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct in the game against Sri Lanka on February 26.

John Morrison, the ICC match referee, handed down a one-match ban, which means Rayudu must now rely on his team-mates to have any chance of playing in the final.

Rayudu was reported by Brian Jerling and Billy Doctrove, the umpires for the Sri Lanka game, under provision C2 of the Code of Conduct, for a Level 2 misdemeanour that brought the game into disrepute.

The charge was related to excessive time-wasting in the opening overs of the second innings, as Sri Lanka got off to an explosive start in pursuit of India's 316. In the first 50 minutes, India bowled just eight overs, with Rayudu changing his field often, and consulting with his bowlers at length.

Morrison took the decision after a hearing attended by Rayudu, Dr Ram Babu Gupta - India's manager - and both umpires on Friday evening. "The umpires reported the player after he failed to respond to a number of warnings relating to time wasting," said Morrison afterwards. "In this instance, I endorsed the view that his conduct brought the game into disrepute and the appropriate penalty is a one-match suspension."

The code of conduct used for the tournament is identical to that used for international matches, the only difference being that the U19s aren't fined for breaches. There is no right of appeal for a Level 2 offence.