New Zealand Cricket has initiated a Code of Conduct hearing into comments made by Central Districts coach Dermot Reeve, in relation to allegations of ball tampering by Auckland Aces player, Ravi Bopara.

NZC Chief Executive Justin Vaughan advised he requested the hearing to determine whether the comments made by Reeve, as reported in news media on Tuesday 22 December, were prejudicial to the game in New Zealand or brought the game into disrepute.

The hearing will be conducted by a Commissioner to be appointed by the Central Districts Cricket Association. It is expected to be heard early in the new year.

As the matter is now under formal consideration, no further comment will be made by New Zealand Cricket.