Shoaib Akhtar banned for 5 years

[Nadeem]

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board has banned fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar from playing cricket for five years on Tuesday for violating the players' code of conduct while it has been decided to give warning to leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

These decisions were announced by Dr. Naism Ashraf, chairman Pakistan Cricket Board during a news conference in Islamabad.

He said that Shoaib Akhtar violated the PCB’s code of conduct for 14 to 15 times during the last few years.

He further said that in October last year, a fine of Rs.3,400,000 and a ban on playing 13 matches was imposed on him for violating the code of conduct and the PCB had decided that Shoaib Akhtar may be banned for life if he further violates discipline.

The PCB chairman told that the disciplinary committee, after hearing the cases of Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria, has recommended to give a warning to Danish Kaneria and impose a five year-ban on Shoaib Akthar.

Dr. Nasim Ashraf told that due to this ban Shoaib Akhtar would be ineligible to play in Pakistan or to play for Pakistan anywhere else in the world but the Board would have no objection if he plays cricket anywhere in the world except Pakistan.

Regarding his playing for IPL cricket, Nasim Ashraf said that this would be decided by the IPL administration.

The PCB chairman said that Shoaib Akhtar has the right to appeal against the decision.

Regarding the decision of just warning Danish Kaneria, Dr. Nasim Ashraf said that since this was Kaneria's first offense on discipline, this was decided to severely reprimand him.

[Nadeem]

It's harsh and unfair; I don't accept it: Shoaib


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Islamabad: Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar today made it clear that he would take legal course to get the five-year ban imposed on him the by Pakistan Cricket Board overturned.
"I have always given my best for my country and the national team. I do not accept this ban. It is a harsh and unfair decision as far as I am concerned," he said in a statement shortly after the Board announced the ban on him for repeated violations of the players code of conduct and acts of indiscipline.
"I am shocked at this decision. I was expecting them to be lenient because I went and apologised for my actions and statement to the disciplinary committee today," he said.
Shoaib said he would hire the best lawyers to go and fight his case in court as he had the right to appeal against the ban.
"I will try to get this ban overturned. Because it is a stigma for me and a blot on all the efforts I have put in for Pakistan team," he added.
PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf told a news conference the authorities had "lost confidence in Shoaib" and had "enough" of his habitual indiscipline.
He said the pacer had become a damaging influence on the team and the Board was sad but had no option but to accept the ban recommended by the disciplinary committee.
Shoaib accused some people within the Board and Pakistan cricket of trying to destroy his career and cooking up controversies.