Cullinan suspended by Gauteng

South African batsman Daryll Cullinan has been suspended from playing for his province Gauteng, the team's president said on Wednesday.

The suspension is pending the outcome of a commission of inquiry into his conduct over refusing to play for the South Africa Test side.

Cullinan, 35, was recalled to the national team for the second Test against Australia, starting at Newlands on Friday, but withdrew over a contractual dispute with the United Cricket Board.

Mthuthulezi Nyoka, president of the Gauteng Cricket Union was contacted by UCB president Gerald Majola about Cullinan's conduct.

"Because of the serious nature of the matter, we decided we had to look into it," Nyoka was quoted on the supercricket.com website.

The commission will be headed by GCB vice-president and serving judge Mohammed Jajbhay and is expected to begin on Thursday.

Cullinan, a veteran of 70 Tests, initially spoke of his delight at being recalled to the Test side on Monday after an 11-month absence. But a day later he walked out after his request for a 12-month UCB contract was turned down.

Mail Cricket Editor