Karachi: The five-year ban imposed on speedster Shoaib Akhtar was a difficult but right decision, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board's Disciplinary committee said today.

The committee headed by Lieutenant General (retired) Muneer Hafeez recommended the severe sanction against Akhtar and the PCB took their advice.

Hafeez said the committee had deliberated in detail and taken into consideration the charge sheet laid out against the fast bowler and his past track record of infringements and indiscipline.

"There have been numerous incidents of fitness problems and breaking down in matches and tours. The ban is not just for giving statements against the policies of the Board but for other violations as well," Hafeez said.

"The fact that he was also under a two-year probation and he accepted this condition last year when he was banned for 13 matches and fined 3.4 million rupees made it incumbent on us to take some action," Hafeez added.

The Disciplinary Committee chairman said Akhtar had been setting all the wrong examples for the other players and was a negative influence on the team and dressing room.

He pointed out that Akhtar and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria were given a fair chance to defend themselves.

"Shoaib accepted all the charges laid out against him.

"We let off Kaneria with a reprimand and warning as it was his first offence and he has a clean record of discipline and adhering to team principles," he explained.

Hafeez also mentioned that the Board had not barred Akhtar from playing in the multi-million dollar Indian Premier League.

"Because cricket is Shoaib's bread and butter, we recommended to the Board to allow him to play in the Indian Premier league or anywhere else in the world but not for Pakistan or in Pakistan," Hafeez said.

 

Source : PTI