Former Pakistan skipper Intikhab Alam has criticized the Indian team's decision to declare the innings with Sachin Tendulkar six short of his fourth double century.

"It was in bad taste for them to declare the innings when he was so close to a double-century against Pakistan," he told rediff.com.

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Alam said it would have been a great morale booster for Tendulkar had he got to his double century and remained unbeaten in Pakistan.

"These small things matter and make up what is a successful team. Cricket is, after all, about individual performances coming together and making a collective effort," he said.

Agreeing that individual goals should not supersede team goals, he argued that Tendulkar was in a unique position.

"It was just the second day and India could have afforded another two overs. If the double century was not the reason then I reckon that the team management erred in carrying on for so long after tea."

He also pointed out that when he was manager of the Pakistan team in 1982-83 during the series against India in Pakistan, he and skipper Imran Khan had sent instructions to Javed Miandad to get to the landmark 300 runs in 45 minutes.

"He could not do it and we had to declare with him on 280. It was bitter for him, but in the interest of the team it worked. We went on to win that Test and it justified our decision," he added.

"I know of cases when skippers have declared with batsmen on 98 and 99. But those were for a purpose. This decision is intriguing," he said.