Bowing to the wave of criticism following the team's behaviour after winning the Champions Trophy, Australia captain Ricky Ponting and Cricket Australia apologised for Sunday's incident in which Board of Control for Cricket in India president Sharad Pawar was shoved on the presentation dais.

On Thursday, even as Australian press carried Pawar's stinging comments, that the behaviour of Ponting and his men was "totally uncivilised", Ponting called Pawar and expressed regret.

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He told Pawar that there was no intention to misbehave with anyone, as all the Australian players respect him.

Since the matter was reported in the Australian press also, he thought it fit to speak to him personally and explain his position.

BCCI sources said Pawar told Ponting that he had not made an issue of it and the BCCI did not lodge any official protest with Cricket Australia.

The matter is closed as far as the BCCI is concerned, Pawar said.

Earlier, Cricket Australia had sent a letter to Pawar tendering an apology for the entire episode and also wanted to know a convenient time when Ponting could call him and explain his position.

Ponting accordingly expressed regret on Thursday evening.