Cricket extraordinaire Brian Lara said on Sunday that ICC’s decision to fine fast bowler Wahab Riaz following Pakistan’s defeat to Australia on Friday was “uncalled for”, while offering to pay for it himself.

Pakistan’s clash with Australia at the World Cup quarter-final was significant for more than one aspect but it was Riaz’s 30 minute spell with Shane Watson that was the highlight of the match.

“I don’t know what the ICC is thinking. It’s just uncalled for. We need this in a sport that people are running away from, especially 50-over cricket. I loved the exchange,” the former West Indies batsman said.

The bowling ace was fined half of his match fee for mocking the batsman and sending a ‘kiss’ in the air. Conversely, Watson was fined only a meager 15% of his match fee