Pietersen fined over Twitter rant

Kevin Pietersen has been fined after pleading guilty to two charges in relation to his foul-mouthed Twitter outburst.

Pietersen, who offered an unreserved apology, was fined an undisclosed amount following a disciplinary meeting at Lord's on Monday. The England batsman inadvertently broke the news last week that he was to be dropped from the limited-overs squad to face Pakistan, several hours before the list of names was officially announced.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement read: "The hearing considered two charges against Kevin Pietersen relating to recent comments made on Twitter following his omission from England's one-day squad for the NatWest Series against Pakistan. Pietersen pleaded guilty to both charges and offered an unreserved apology to ECB and the England team management for his actions."

The statement continued: "The hearing considered his comments to be prejudicial to the interests of Team England and ECB and a significant breach of the England player conditions of employment.

"He has been fined an undisclosed sum in accordance with the terms and conditions of his England central contract."

Pietersen's uncouth faux pas followed a similar one from former England Under-19s captain Azeem Rafiq, who was fined £500 and banned from all cricket for a month.

It preceded a third unfortunate 'Tweet' on Sunday from Dimitri Mascarenhas, who has been fined £1,000 by his county Hampshire.

England coach Andy Flower travelled from his team's current base in Cardiff - where they will face Pakistan in a NatWest International Twenty20 on Tuesday - to attend Pietersen's hearing in London. Hugh Morris, managing director - England Cricket, was also present.