Former West Indies batsman Brian Lara attacked the ICC over the handling of the fiery clash between Australian all-rounder Shane Watson and Pakistan bowler Wahab Riaz last Friday.
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Riaz attacked Watson with a number of bouncers, resulting in the pair engaging in stare-downs and exchanging insults during the quarter-final clash.
Test great Lara said it was “ridiculous” that both players were punished for the incident.
“It’s ridiculous what the end result is. We are all entertainers. That to me was one of the highlights of the World Cup,” Lara told NDTV Sports.
“A guy running in bowling at 150km/h plus and Watson looked like he was at school.
“It’s just unbelievable that that’s the end result … both were fined. I don’t know what the ICC is thinking.”
Lara went as far as to say he would pay Riaz’s fine.
“I loved the exchange. It was above board as far as I’m concerned and I can’t wait to meet him. I want to meet with Riaz,” Lara said.
“I’ll pay the fine!”
Watson and Riaz were fined 15 and 50 per cent of their match fees for apparent “poor behaviour”.
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