Pakistan fine Razzaq over criticism of Hafeez

Pakistan cricket authorities Friday fined Abdul Razzaq 100,000 rupees ($1,060) for criticising captain Mohammad Hafeez after he dropped the all-rounder for the World Twenty20 semi-final.

The 32-year-old was replaced by fast bowler Sohail Tanveer for Pakistan's semi-final match against Sri Lanka earlier this month, a decision which Hafeez said was taken by the team management.

But on his return from Sri Lanka, Razzaq lashed out at Pakistan's Twenty20 captain, blaming Hafeez for the decision to leave him out of the game, which Pakistan lost.

"I was disappointed sitting outside while the team was losing the match," Razzaq said. "I know the team management didn't drop me, it was Hafeez who left me out. He should speak up and admit his decision."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent a notice to Razzaq last week, saying he had violated the players' code of conduct which doesn't allow them to speak to the media without prior permission.

"Razzaq has accepted the violation during his meeting with PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf on Friday and has been fined 100,000 rupees," the PCB announced.

Hafeez was also present during the meeting.

"Razzaq is my senior and there are no differences between us," Hafeez told reporters. "We must move forward and do our best to help the team in the future."

Razzaq said he was wrong in talking to the media.

"I... should not have talked to the media. Maybe it was on the spur of the moment and I apologise for that," said Razzaq who made 22 in Pakistan's Super Eights match against Australia, his only appearance in the event.

West Indies won their first major world title for 33 years by beating hosts Sri Lanka in the World Twenty20 final.