Ashraf warns Pakistan

Pakistan's cricket chief yesterday accused the national team of lacking commitment after they suffered their biggest-ever defeat against arch-rivals India.

India thrashed Pakistan by 140 runs in the tri-series match held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Tuesday. They posted a formidable 330-8 and then bowled Pakistan out for a paltry 190.

"Pakistan's performance against India was embarrassing," Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Nasim Ashraf wrote in the e-mail widely published in the Pakistani media.

"It is not a question of losing a match but our overall performance and the lack of resolve and commitment bothered me the most," he continued.

The e-mail, which was addressed to manager Talat Ali and copied to captain Shoaib Malik and Pakistan's Australian coach Geoff Lawson, demanded swift action.

"Please discuss these points and give us your considered response within the next 24 hours so that timely action can be taken before the next match against India on the 14th which will be the final," said Ashraf.

Ashraf criticised the selection of the team, which did not include a regular spinner and also lashed out at poor fielding against India. Pakistan dropped three crucial catches to allow the Indian openers Virendar Sehwag (89) and Gautum Gambhir (62) to put on 155 for the opening stand.

"We dropped some catches in the beginning as well but, watching from here, one felt that we were paralysed in the field.

"We were smiling and joking as if we were some junior team which was happy just to be given the privilege of playing against a top team. This must stop."

Meanwhile, Pakistan later fired former fast bowler and 2011 World Cup co-ordinator, Salim Altaf, who said he had been "unfairly" accused of leaking the confidential e-mail to the media.

India on top

Bangladesh were dismissed for 222 by India in their One-Day International clash in Dhaka.

Raqibul Hasan top scored for the hosts with 89.

The two teams are involved in a Tri-series also featuring Pakistan.

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