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Updated : Sunday January 31 , 2010 0

PERTH: Pakistan stand-in captain Shahid Afridi has apologized to the whole nation over the ball-tempering during Pakistan’s final ODI against Australia at Perth.0

The all rounder has been banned for two Twenty20 internationals after being found guilty of ball-tampering on Sunday. 0

Afridi, who led Pakistan in the absence of Mohammad Yousuf, was caught biting the ball on TV cameras. The third umpire then notified the on-field umpires about the incident following which the ball was changed.0

Talking to ARY NEWS today, the cricket star admitted the tempering, describing it as a “grave mistake.” Afridi said he did so ‘for helping the bowler’ in the match Pakistan lost by two wickets.0

“I shouldn’t have done it. It just happened. I was trying to help my bowlers and win a match, one match,” he said. 0

“There is no team in the world that doesn’t tamper with the ball. My methods were wrong. I am embarrassed, I shouldn’t have done it. I just wanted to win us a game but this was the wrong way to do it.” 0

Australia has swept aside Pakistan with a thrilling two-wicket victory at the WACA Ground this evening.0

Later, the chief selector of Pakistan’s national cricket team resigned after the defeat, saying he was disappointed with the team’s performance.0

“I am very disappointed, like millions of Pakistanis, over the manner in which the Pakistan team lost the Test series 3-0 and one day series 5-0,” Qasim told French news agency.0

“As I am responsible for the selection of the team, I quit from my post.”0

Pakistan won the World Twenty20 last year but have since suffered a number of defeats. The Pakistan Cricket Board has said it will appoint a new captain to replace current skipper Mohammad Yousuf after the Australia tour. 0