Wasim Akram has praised Cricket Australia for sending Andrew Symonds home after missing a team meeting.

The cricketer-turned-commentator, speaking to a national daily did not feel CA's decision against Symonds was harsh.

"You think the decision is harsh because Symonds went fishing," Akram said, "But that is why Australia is Australia. You need a certain level of commitment to maintain excellence. Team ethics are important. In the subcontinent, players miss games and are not even punished."

According to CA officials, who penalised the controversial allrounder within 24 hours, Symonds can't even appeal against the decision.

It is a very different state of affairs in the sub coninent, where players repeatedly get away for misbehaviour, thanks simply to their star power.

"You might think going fishing and skipping a team meeting would not merit such stern action, but it's also in a way essential because you come to realise the seriousness of what you are doing. Here (in the subcontinent), you can get away... nothing happens. People having disciplinary issues keep playing, the boards here keep delaying action. It's good Australia have maintained high standards of discipline," Akram added