Pakistan fine three cricketers

Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam on Sunday revealed three cricketers were fined for disciplinary reasons, saying there remains no tolerance on the rules implemented in the new code of conduct.

Opener Shahzaib Hasan, spinner Abdul Rehman and wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider were fined 500 dirhams (136 dollars) for breaking curfew timings during the ongoing one-day series against South Africa, played in the United Arab Emirates.

"We have reminded the players that there will be no tolerance on discipline and after these three players returned late to the team hotel by five minutes they have been fined and issued show-cause notices," team manager Intikhab Alam told reporters.

Alam said the players have been told of severe consequences if they breach the code of conduct again, with double fines and other sanctions.

Pakistan introduced a new players' code of conduct with stricter punishments last month, following problems of discipline and corruption which rocked their cricket recently.

Three Pakistani players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last month after allegations of spot-fixing against them.

DUBAI, AFP