The PTC representative left the reception after PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood thanked all cricket board's sponsors but didn't mention the name of PTC, the biggest of all the sponsors.

And though Mahmood returned to compliment PTC, the sponsor's representative had left the dinner by then.

Informed sources said the representative of the PTC gave an earlier commitment as reason for leaving the dinner but maintained that it was a polite way of lodging a protest.

``The PTC who give sponsorship worth over Rs 24.5 million deserved appreciation and shuld have figured on top of the announcement list. But when the PCB chairman didn't mention the name of PTC, its representative had no other option but to quit,'' sources, on the condition of anonymity, said.

The PTC, who are legally bound to stay as PCB's domestic and international sponsors till 2000, last month informed the cricket authorities that they were terminating the contract on Dec 31, 1998 unless the board abide by the terms and conditions of the contract.

When Khalid Mahmood's attention was drawn towards the incident, he expressed complete surprise. ``The error was unintentional. I had the list of sponsors and the name of PTC was on top. But it was a slip of eye.

``If they have felt insulted, I would apologize,'' he maintained.

Mahmood stressed that PTC were PCB's sponsors and would remain until 2000. ``They have signed the contract. If they want to get out of it, it has to be mutual. It can't be unilateral,'' he felt.

In his speech, Khalid Mahmood spoke of the ongoing betting and match-fixing scandal.

``Nothing will be swept under the carpet. We are carrying out investigations and anyone found guilty will be dealt with severely. It is a very serious matter in which Pakistan's outstanding players have been accused of foul player. These allegations have hurt their reputation as great ambassadors of Pakistan and the sport.

``I thank everyone who has extended his support by appearing before the judicial commission by passing on any information they had,'' he said while referring to two Australian players appearance before Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum on Oct 6.

While talking to newsmen later, he defended the contents of his speech and maintained it was the correct forum to talk.

``It was an official dinner of the cricket board and I think it was the best place to talk about PCB's policies on the issue which has caught headlines everywhere in the world.

``I also feel that the allegations were first levelled by the Australians against the then Pakistan cricket team captain. But I have also thanked them for appearing before the commission,'' he observed.

He said the relations between the two countries would not be affected by his speech. ``Relations don't break or get tense like this. They (relations) are not made of wax.''

The PCB chairman, replying to another questioned, denied reports that the Asian Cup has been postponed.

``It was decided in Kathmandu during the ACC Trophy that the Asia Cup would be held in late March next year. It was a policy decision and I was part of it. If I don't know of its postponement, then I don't think the story is correct,'' Mahmood said.

In his speech, Khalid Mahmood also took a shot at the Australian press. ``They have said that they won for the first time in Pakistan in 39 years because this time there were neutral umpires. Well, I don't think the argument is justified.

``Our team has won Tests in Australia besides winning the World Cup in 1992. Every team had its share of luck and bad luck as far as umpiring is concerned.''

Mahmood believed that Australia clinched the Test series because they were more focused, mentally and physically fitter and more professional in their approach towards the game.

Steve Bernard, the Australian team manager, said he and his team had seven wonderful weeks in Pakistan where they made many friends.

He said the people of Pakistan lived upto their reputation of being friendly and great hosts. ``I had learnt Pakistan's hospitality. But now I have experienced it. The team really enjoyed their time here.''

He said when he came here three months ago on a pre-tour visit, he was assured by PCB chief executive Majid Khan that it would be a pleasant and smooth tour.

He hoped that the relations between the two boards would flourish and more cricket will be played between the two countries.