Shane Watson v Wahab Riaz: Aussie all-rounder fined by ICC for battle with Pakistan bowler

THE ICC has fined Shane Watson and Wahab Riaz for their epic quarter-final battle, but has denied accusations of being the fun police.

Australia's Shane Watson is spoken to by th umpire after verbals with Pakistan's Wahab Riaz during ICC Cricket World Cup Quarter Final between Australia and Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval. pic. Phil Hillyard

THE ICC has fined Shane Watson and Wahab Riaz for their epic quarter-final battle, but has denied accusations of being the fun police and say it has no issue with the show-stopping spell that had the cricket world buzzing.

After issuing a tweet announcing both players would be charged under the game’s code of conduct, it took the ICC over 14 hours to finally announce what the two stars had been penalised for.

ALERT: Shane Watson and Wahab Riaz charged for breaching ICC Code of Conduct. Details to be announced on Saturday. #CWC15 #AUSVPAK

— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) March 20, 2015

Shane Watson fined 15% and Wahab Riaz 50% for breaching ICC Code of Conduct. http://t.co/B4X9mQ4uKS #CWC15

— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) March 21, 2015

Wahab got in Watson’s face time after time, clapping, blowing kisses and verballing, and Australia were privately scratching their heads over how the Australian No.5 had been fined at all, so one way was the intimidatory tirade.

ROUGHED UP AUSSIES GET TASTE OF OWN MEDICINE

HOW ON EARTH DID WATSON SURVIVE THAT?

But the ICC says the fine came not when Australia was on the ropes at 3-59, but in the 33rd over when the hosts needed only 21 more to win.

Watson couldn’t help himself give some back to Wahab, and who can blame him.

Officials say Watson ignored the umpire’s advice and had a chip at Wahab, obviously satisfied he’d weathered one of the most ferocious spells of fast bowling witnessed in recent years.

Wahab then fired back with an expletive laden attack, and that’s where the fines have come from.

Shane Watson smiles as Pakistan's Wahab Riaz gives it to him. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Watson was docked 15 per cent of his match fee and Wahab a whopping half.

Ex-greats like Dean Jones have questioned what the drama is, with the gripping exchange lighting up the World Cup at a time when things were getting stale.

But the ICC agued the players did ultimately cross the line.

Match referee Ranjan Madugalle said both players accepted the fines and there was no need for a formal hearing.

“It was an enthralling contest between Shane and Wahab, but in the closing stages of the match both players crossed that fine line between intense competition and unacceptable behaviour, and this resulted in the sanctions,” said Madugalle.

Watson and Wahab shook hands at the end of the game.

The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Marais Erasmus, third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Billy Bowden.

Watson will be free to take on India in Thursday’s blockbuster semi-final at the SCG.

Post-match, Wahab revealed the sledge from Watson that sent him into a frenzy.

While batting himself at the end of the Pakistan innings, Wahab was asked by Watson “Is that a bat you’re holding?”

The pair shook hands and embraced at the end of the game.