Harbhajan Singh always exuberant after claiming a wicket, went little too far in the first ODI © Getty Images

Harbhajan Singh, has been fined 25% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against South Africa.

Harbhajan pleaded guilty to the offence to Jeff Crowe, the ICC Match Referee, in a hearing after play concluded at Hyderabad on November 16. He was found to have breached the ICC Code which relates to `Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler upon the dismissal of a batsman.' The batsmen in question was Ashwell Prince, who made a fine 46 during South Africa's run-chase.

Crowe confirmed that the bowler had apologised immediately: "... Harbhajan apologised for his actions to the umpires immediately and later to the batsman, he has now indicated that this type of violation will not be repeated."

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee. The charge was brought by Umpires Daryl Harper, Hariharan Krishna, Ivaturi Sivaram and Aloke Bhattacharjee. Crowe reached his conclusion after a hearing attended by Harbhajan, M Baladitya - the media manager - and the umpires.