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Former England skipper opts out of IPL auction 2017

[caption id="attachment_35933" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Pietersen charged with Code of Conduct breach. Image Source: twitter[/caption] Internet Desk: Former England skipper and Melbourne Stars batsman Kevin Pietersen has been fined by $5000 for saying an umpiring error an “absolute shocker” on his mic during the Big Bash semi-final against Perth Scorchers. Pietersen was in conversation with Network Ten commentators when Perth batsman Sam Whiteman was given not out following an appeal for caught behind. "Shocker. Absolute shocker," Pietersen said on air. "He (the umpire) said it could have been glove or it could have been pad. I said 'Well, he's got big gloves and big pads to reach that'. "Massive. Massive nick." Umpire Shawn Craig later told that he got the call wrong. "It was a really muffled noise and so I didn't think it was bat," Craig said on Optus Sport's Umpires' Verdict. "I got it wrong. "He (Whiteman) has hit it, there's no doubt I got it wrong and it's one of those ones I wish I could take back." Craig stood firm as the Stars, led by captain David Hussey and Pietersen, pleaded with him to give it out before being left disappointed and frustrated by the decision. "That's part of the game," Craig said. "There are many occasions where they will appeal confidently and it is not out and you make the right decision. "Especially in the Big Bash when it is noisy and there are times when you can't hear the nicks or something that might occur, off the pad or bat, you've got to rely on your partner to give you a hand. "You've just got to trust your judgment and hope you get it right more often than not." CA today revealed Pietersen had been charged with breaching the Code of Conduct for "public or media comment that is detrimental to the interest of cricket, irrespective of when or where such comment is made". Pietersen was charged by the Match Referee David Talalla after the January 24 semi-final, and while accepting the charge he opted to contest the fine three days later after his return to England. CA then received the necessary appeal documentation on January 31, with a hearing set on February 2, where the original sanction was upheld by Talalla. Pietersen has 48 hours to decide if he will appeal and have the matter heard by a CA Code of Conduct Commissioner. In another news Pietersen will not be a part of 2017 Indian Premier League auction later this month after he took to Twitter on Friday to make the announcement of his non-participation in the World’s richest cricket league . The former England batsman stated that he had been “too busy” with travel over the winter and he did not want to spend the months of April and May away from home. With inputs from Cricket Australia