Farhat slapped with fine for dissent

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a fine on Imran Farhat following the telephone call he made to chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed.

Farhat, who opened the Pakistan batting till recently, dissented to being left out of the Pakistan squad for the Abu Dhabi series against Sri Lanka. "The board provided a fair chance of clarification to Imran Farhat after the matter was brought to its notice," the board said in a media release.

"However, after the complete review of the matter, the board has sanctioned Imran with 50% of his match fee for the first match that he now plays for Pakistan. Furthermore, Imran will also be on 6 months probation in which he will be constantly monitored for his behaviour and attitude."

According to Salahuddin, Farhat asked, "Why wasn't I selected in the team? What was my fault? I have no contract and if I can't be in the team what would become of my future? You will have to give me a reason why I was not considered?"

"The punishment has been kept lenient," the release added, "considering the facts that this was only the first offence committed by Imran Farhat and he also submitted a written apology for this to the board. This further strengthens PCB's stance to have no compromise in the disciplinary matters."

Farhat has not been a part of Pakistan's ODI plans in recent months, missing the series in South Africa and the World Cup. The selectors opted instead for Salman Butt and Imran Nazir as openers in the 16-man squad for the series against Sri Lanka.