Shoaib challenges PCB ban |
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Saturday April 5, 01:19 AM
Islamabad, April 4: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Friday appealed against a five-year ban imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board for violating its code of conduct.
The 32-year-old was banned after a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday and charged for violating the players’ code of conduct by publicly criticising the board.
"I have filed an appeal against the ban and hope that I will get justice," Akhtar told reporters in Karachi.
He was already on a two-year probation for hitting team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat just days before the start of the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa last year.
The recent ban has attracted contrasting reactions, with legends such as Imran Khan and Sarfraz Nawaz slamming the PCB’s move, but Akhtar’s former captains Inzamam-ul Haq and Moin Khan backing the five-year punishment. The saga took an ugly turn on Thursday when the PCB sued Akhtar for $3 million for allegedly defaming board chairman, Nasim Ashraf.
The PCB also demanded an apology after Akhtar, in a television interview on Wednesday, accused Ashraf of demanding a commission on his fee from the Indian Premier League, which Mr strongly denied.
Ashraf on Thursday said Akhtar’s appeal would be dealt with according to PCB regulations. "If Akhtar appeals we will tackle the matter as per our rules. I have the right to be the chairman of the appellate committee but I withdraw from it and form an independent committee," said Mr Ashraf.
PTI adds: Akhtar’s lawyers Mohammad Ali Lashari and Mohammad Azim Danyal met the PCB’s chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi and submitted the appeal to him.
A large media contingent had gathered at the stadium and there was a small protest against the ban outside the main gate.
"The ban is illegal and unconstitutional and we intend to have it reviewed and removed," Danyal told reporters at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Akhtar himself showed up at the end of the meeting and said he had appealed as per the procedures of the PCB.
"I came to submit the appeal according to the procedures of the PCB and I have done that. I respect the law, PCB and the chairman (Nasim Ashraf)," he said.
Akhtar also told the gathering of mediapersons and his fans to "be patient till the PCB decides on the appeal" and added that "we need to learn to repsect the law."
Meanwhile in India, IPL Governing Council head Lalit Modi said that Akhtar’s contract with the Indian Premier League is still valid and he will be allowed to play if he is cleared by the Pakistan Appeallate Tribunal.
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