Shoaib Ahktar banned for five years
Shoaib Ahktar, the Pakistani fast bowler has been banned for five years by the Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) after violating the players' code of conduct. The ban extends towards cricket in Pakistan itself but also playing for Pakistan outside of the country. The ban does leave him free to play in the upcoming Indian Premier League and anywhere after that if he so wishes.
The decision comes off the back of a disciplinary hearing in February in which Ahktar was charged by the Pakistan board for criticising the entity in public. It was a reaction to being dropped for a PCB "A" contract right down to a retainership.
Interestingly, leg-spinner Danish Kaneria was served with a severe reprimand after also publically criticising the Pakistani board. Once again, it was about a change of contract which saw the leggie demoted from a "B" to a "C" contract.
Ahktar is expected to appeal the decision.
Ahktar cops five year ban
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A very surprising decision and one that will virtually end Shoaib's international career unless he can reverse the decision on appeal or overturn it in court. It seems the PCB is fed up with Shoaib's outrageous antics and sees him as nothing more than a hinderance to the Pakistan cricket team. You also have to remember that Shoaib is on a two-year probation period after hitting Mohammad Asif with a cricket bat in September last year, right before the start of the Twenty20 World Championship.
A sad end to a talented career, if his appeals are unsuccessful, Akhtar will most likely finish his playing days on the county circuit, would be interesting to see if he would play Australian domestic cricket while county cricket is in its off-season. He would certainly draw a few crowds.
Thoughts on this?
Shoaib Ahktar, the Pakistani fast bowler has been banned for five years by the Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) after violating the players' code of conduct. The ban extends towards cricket in Pakistan itself but also playing for Pakistan outside of the country. The ban does leave him free to play in the upcoming Indian Premier League and anywhere after that if he so wishes.
The decision comes off the back of a disciplinary hearing in February in which Ahktar was charged by the Pakistan board for criticising the entity in public. It was a reaction to being dropped for a PCB "A" contract right down to a retainership.
Interestingly, leg-spinner Danish Kaneria was served with a severe reprimand after also publically criticising the Pakistani board. Once again, it was about a change of contract which saw the leggie demoted from a "B" to a "C" contract.
Ahktar is expected to appeal the decision.
Ahktar cops five year ban
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A very surprising decision and one that will virtually end Shoaib's international career unless he can reverse the decision on appeal or overturn it in court. It seems the PCB is fed up with Shoaib's outrageous antics and sees him as nothing more than a hinderance to the Pakistan cricket team. You also have to remember that Shoaib is on a two-year probation period after hitting Mohammad Asif with a cricket bat in September last year, right before the start of the Twenty20 World Championship.
A sad end to a talented career, if his appeals are unsuccessful, Akhtar will most likely finish his playing days on the county circuit, would be interesting to see if he would play Australian domestic cricket while county cricket is in its off-season. He would certainly draw a few crowds.
Thoughts on this?
