Several of Pakistan's senior players have been lambasted by Tauqir Zia, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), after opting to miss the Test series against Australia. Pakistan's inexperienced side were outplayed throughout, losing the series 3-0 with the nadir coming when they were bowled out for 59 and 53 in the second Test. Zia's comments echo the sentiments of the Pakistan media, who have singled out players who absented themselves from the series for criticism.

Zia stepped down after the second Test, but his resignation was refused by Pakistan's president. He has now decided to take on far more responsibility and not delegate his authority. He began by setting out some home truths. "The chairman told them in clear words that being senior players they needed to review their responsibilities and priorities towards the team in the near future," a PCB spokesman said.

Zia is believed to have met with Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana in Lahore to discuss their future plans. The pair missed the series through injury, although Zia is thought to have questioned whether they were genuinely unfit.

Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar, who played in exhibition matches in Cardiff and Hong Kong while the series was going on, also attended the meeting. All four players have declared their availability for the forthcoming Zimbabwe tour.

Questions will also be asked about the farce surrounding Shahid Afridi, who was sent to Sharjah ahead of the third Test in place of the injured Abdul Razzaq, only to inform the selectors when he arrived that he was not fit to play.

Zia also said that he is looking at the possibility of having separate squads and captains for one-day and Test matches. "It is a proposal which was discussed in detail but nothing is finalised yet," the spokesman explained. Richard Pybus, Pakistan's coach, has been summoned to Lahore to give his thoughts on the idea.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd