Match referee tells Younis to control his players

International Cricket Council match referee Ranjan Madugalle has had a word with Pakistan's stand-in captain Younis Khan, reminding him that the sport ought be played in the "spirit of the game".

Team sources said Younis Khan was summoned by Madugalle after the third day's play and although it was an informal meeting, the referee made clear his displeasure over the conduct of some of the Pakistan players.

"Younis Khan was advised to control his players and play the game in a sporting spirit. However, none of the Pakistan players have been formally charged. It was an informal discussion," sources said.

Some of the Pakistan cricketers, most prominently Shahid Afridi, showed uncalled-for aggression yesterday, which irked even Indian captain Rahul Dravid.

Sources said Dravid had updated the match referee of the situation and also said in the press conference later that such verbal exchanges could lead to the match ending in "shambles".

Interestingly, three months ago against England here in Faisalabad, Shahid Afridi was banned for a Test and two one-day internationals for scuffing the pitch. He had scored 94 and claimed four wickets.