|
Tue, 1st Apr 2008   New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)has banned pacer Shoaib Akhtar for five years for reported criticism of the board regarding the award of contracts to play for the national team.
Akhtar appeared before a disciplinary committee on Tuesday.
The pacer was under a two-year probation for his altercation with fellow pacer Mohammad Asif during the Twenty20 World Championships in South Africa in September last year.
"The board has lost confidence in Shoaib Akhtar and therefore felt that his presence in the field was damaging to the Pakistan team, for Pakistan players and for the image of Pakistan cricket," PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf told AFP.
Ashraf confirmed that Akhtar had the right to appeal against the decision. He was quoted as saying, “It’s a sad day for me and for Shoaib Akhtar. He is such a talented player."
The ban can bring an end to what has been a highly capricious international career. However, the Rawalpindi Express might be able to participate in the Indian Premiere League or county cricket.
Because he was already on probation, Akhtar faced a life ban for slamming the PCB for dual standards on awarding central contracts in January this year.
(With inputs from agencies)
 | 
