Lawson began the press meet, saying he would "only answer sensible questions" which irked the local reporters who protested the coach's remarks which further aggravated the situation.

"Before we start, let us have some ground rules. Don't make statements, ask questions and I will only answer sensible questions," Lawson said after Pakistan's 64-run loss to Sri Lanka on Sunday.

This led to a local journalist asking him if he would be dictating to the press what to do to which Lawson remarked "your English is not very good", which only aggravated the situation.

Lawson was also heard telling another journalist that he was being rude and finally local media walked off from the press conference and Lawson was booed while waiting for the lift to go down to the dressing room.

The incident was apparently triggered by a growing tension between the local media and the duo of Pakistan coach and captain Shoaib Malik.