Pakistani cricketers have been told to improve their behaviour or face stiff penalties following an incident in a recent one-day series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi involving vice-captain Mohammad Asif.

Asif was reprimanded by match referee Javagal Srinath after he danced down the pitch on dismissing Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardena and taunted him on the way back to the pavilion.

"The Asif incident was unnecessary. The players have been told they must behave immaculately on the field and follow the International Cricket Council Code of Conduct," manager Talat Ali said.

"They have been reminded they are ambassadors of their country and such childish actions not only affect their image but also that of Pakistan cricket."

Ali said under a new discipline code introduced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, players tarnishing their own image or of the team by showing dissent or indulging in sledging could face severe in-house penalties.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in Abu Dhabi this week.