Pakistan shows concern over Aussies sledging

Karachi, Nov 30: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially complained to their Australian counterparts on persistent sledging by its players during three-Test series that concluded recently.

A highly ranking PCB official said on Tuesday that he has received disturbing reports from the tour management that Pakistan players were sledged by the Australian cricketers. "Ricky Ponting used highly abusive language against our players, particularly Ijaz Ahmad during the Perth Test.

"When the team returns on Wednesday, manager Yawar Saeed will be inquired and a further protest will be lodged with the ACB," the official, requesting anonymity, said.

"The International Cricket Council (ICC) will be duly informed about the Australian players conduct."

The official said the team management informed ACB and the ICC match referee John Reid. "But until now, no action has been taken by either the match referee or the ACB."

The official went on to say that Reid swiftly acts when he has anything against the Pakistan players but fails to justify his duties when he receives complains against opposing team's players.

"Don't forget that John Reid's name has emerged as the man to raise concerns over Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action," said the official.

The official minced no words in saying that if the ACB didn't ensure decent conduct by its players on the field in the forthcoming triangular one-day series, "Pakistan will have to reconsider its options."

"I am not saying that we will pull out of the triangular, but yes, it is definitely one of the options available," the official said.

He stressed that he was not trying to defend the team's disastrous performance in Australia but questioned how long can a player sustain sledging.

"Pakistan plays the sport in high spirit but unfortunately it is not the case with Australia. Sledging is negative tactics and we are not the first to accuse Australian of sledging," the official said.

The Australian players have been involved in a row over alleged sledging. Shane Warne reportedly said about Scott Muller: "can't bowl, can't throw."

Muller, who played in the first two Tests against Australia, in return bent over stumps special effects microphones after taking Sachin Tendulkar's wicket on Sunday and said: "Six for the game, Warnie."

Meanwhile, chairman of the PCB ad hoc committee Dr Zafar Altaf dismissed recent allegation of chucking against Shoaib Akhtar "as part of Australian tactics before the start of the one-day series."

"They (media) did it successfully before the start of the Test series and they have now started again when the triangular series is just round the corner," Altaf said from Islamabad. Altaf added in an irritated tone: "I have received no report from the ACB or the ICC."

Altaf questioned the validity of the newspaper report. "Tell me who asked for the video footage, who provided them and to whom? The (Australian) newspapers published a story and everybody is jumping up and down."