Pakistan opener Farhat punished

Farhat made his Test debut as an 18-year-old in 2001

Pakistan have fined opener Imran Farhat and put him on a six-month probationary period for showing dissent to the selectors after being dropped.

Farhat was left out of the squad to face Sri Lanka and telephoned chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed to complain.

Salahuddin sent the Pakistan Cricket Board a written complaint, in which he said Farhat's father-in-law had complained in person about the move.

Farhat, who later apologised, will be fined half of his next match fee.

PCB director of operations Zakir Khan said: "During the next six months his behaviour and attitude will be closely monitored.

"We took a lenient attitude with him this time because of his past record and apology, but the board is firm on having a zero tolerance policy on players indulging in indiscipline or dissent with officials."

Farhat has played 27 Tests and 33 one-day internationals for his country.

Pakistan's squad leave on Wednesday for the three games against Sri Lanka which take place in Abu Dhabi on 18, 20 and 22 May.