The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned two of its world-class batsmen, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, from playing international cricket for life and barred former captain Shoaib Malik and medium-pacer Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan for one year for 'unbecoming behaviour' leading to Pakistan's poor showing recently in Australia.

All-rounder Shahid Afridi was also fined Rs.3 million rupees ($35,200) for ball tampering during the one-day series in Australia.

The decision to come down heavily on the players was taken Wednesday after considering the recommendations of an inquiry committee formed to go into Pakistan's miserable performance against Australia in December-January.

Malik and Naveed-ul were fined Rs.2 million ($23,500), wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was handed a fine of Rs.3 million ($35,200) and his brother Umar Rs.2 million ($23,500).

Shahid Afridi, Kamran and Umar have been issued final warnings to improve their behaviour by putting them on a six-month probation.