Imran Farhat fined over selection rant

FINED: Pakistan opener Imran Farhat has been fined and reprimanded for a phone call he made to the chief selector after he was not picked for a one-day series against Sri Lanka, officials said Friday.

Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed complained to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about 24-year-old Farhat’s behaviour after he was overlooked for the three-match series to be played in Abu Dhabi next week.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken strong notice of the incident regarding the telephone call made by Imran Farhat to chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed,” the PCB said in a statement.

“After the complete review of the matter, the board has sanctioned Imran Farhat with 50 percent of his match fee for the first match that he now plays for Pakistan.

“Furthermore, Imran will also be on six months probation in which he will be constantly monitored for his behaviour and attitude.”

Farhat, who has played 27 Tests and 33 one-day internationals for Pakistan, was also axed from the Pakistan’s World Cup squad after he performed poorly on the team’s tour of South Africa in January-February.

Pakistan were ousted in the first round of the World Cup held in the West Indies in March-April, following losses to the hosts and to Ireland. Farhat was on the comeback trail and had performed well in a domestic one-day competition last month.

“The punishment has been kept lenient considering the fact that this was only the first offence committed by Imran Farhat and he also submitted a written apology for this to the board,” the PCB statement added.

KARACHI, Friday, AFP