ICC clamp down on Asif

Mohammad Asif admitted his celebrations were overly aggressive © Getty Images

Pakistan bowler Mohammad Asif has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for his celebrations after dismissing Mahela Jayawardene during Sunday’s one-day international against Sri Lanka.

Asif, who was deemed to have been too aggressive in his reaction to the wicket, was found guilty of conduct contrary to the spirit of the game by ICC match referee Javagal Srinath.

Asif admitted the charge after seeing video footage of the incident in Abu Dhabi.

“There is nothing wrong with being fired up as a bowler but Asif’s aggressive reaction crossed the line of what is acceptable by showing disrespect to an opponent,” Srinath said.

“It sent out the wrong message to the many people watching the match either at the ground or on television

"Everyone has to be aware that such behaviour has no place on the cricket field where players must always seek to act as role models.”

Pakistan won the game, the second encounter in a three-match series, by 98 runs to secure the series. The final match takes place on Tuesday.