Shahid Afridi will miss the first two matches of the World Cup after receiving a four-match suspension for his altercation with a spectator.
The Pakistan all-rounder reacted to an alleged comment after being dismissed in the first one-day international with South Africa in Durban last Sunday.
He was charged with "conduct unbecoming which could bring [players, officials] or the game into disrepute".
Match referee Chris Broad said: "Such an act is completely unacceptable."
I found it impossible to escape the conclusion that Mr Afridi's actions were a clear threat to that spectator
Match referee Chris Broad
When Afridi made his way back to the pavilion after being dismissed during a 164-run defeat in the opening match, a spectator apparently sais something to anger the all-rounder.
Afridi appeared to push his bat towards the spectator, who took evasive action.
Finding the player guilty of a level three offence, Broad added: "I took into account what I considered the mitigating circumstances of a spectator in close proximity to the player shouting at him as he returned to the dressing room.
"I also spoke to the spectator in question ahead of the hearing to get his version of events.
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"However, I found it impossible to escape the conclusion that Mr Afridi's actions were a clear threat to that spectator, and had that person not taken evasive action then the bat would almost certainly have hit him."
Pakistan's assistant manager, Asad Mustafa, said Afridi would not appeal against his punishment and would return home on Sunday.
Pakistan have two ODIs remaining on this tour, with their next assignment the World Cup opener against West Indies on 13 March, followed by a game against Ireland.
Afridi blasted 77 off only 35 balls in the second match of the series, which Pakistan won by 141 runs to level the series at 1-1.
His colleague Imran Nazir was cleared of any charge following a bust-up with Andre Nel in the same game, but Broad warned both teams over their behaviour in the series.
"I have seen indications of rising tensions among the two sets of players over the course of the Test and ODI series," he said.
"I wished to remind everyone of their responsibilities to each other and the game in ensuring everyone upholds the spirit of cricket.
"I believe my message was understood and I look forward to seeing the remainder of matches in this series played in the best traditions of top level cricket, hard but fair."
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