NEW DELHI: Talking to NDTV, former West Indies batsman and star cricketer, Brian Lara said it was “ridiculous of the ICC to fine Wahab Riaz” in the aftermath of the Pakistan versus Australia quarter-final during which Riaz bowled an aggressive spell to Shane Watson.

Lara went on to say: “I’ll pay his [Wahab’s] fine.”

Talking about the heated spell from the Pakistani pacer, Brian Lara said, “Watson looked like he was at school. It was amazing cricket.”

Lara said the contest between Watson and Riaz was the highlight of the ongoing cricket world cup. “I can’t wait to meet this guy,” he said referring to Wahab Riaz.

Pakistan vs Australia

During the second quarter-final between Pakistan and Australia, Wahab Riaz took on Australian batsman Shane Watson with a series of fast, short-pitched deliveries. Watson was visibly shaken by the onslaught, as he ducked and moved away from the line of the ball on numerous occasions.

Trying to put the Australian under pressure, Wahab Riaz made several gestures at Watson and even sent a flying kiss his way after unnerving him with some high-quality bowling.

Know more: That was some really nasty stuff, Watson says of Wahab's spell

ICC charges Riaz, Watson

Following the exchange between the two players, the International Cricket Council (ICC) charged both Riaz and Watson for code of conduct violations.

Wahab, who finished with figures of 2-54, was fined 50 percent of his match fee for “using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting”.

Watson, who was docked 15 percent of his fee, was found guilty of the lesser charge of “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game” for ignoring the umpire’s warning and speaking to Wahab.