Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Nasim Ashraf today dispelled the impression that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar would escape the five-year ban imposed on him because of an understanding brokered by influential political figures with him.

"Let the appellate tribunal do its work. It is an independent tribunal and will decide on merit after resuming its regular if the ban is justified. It will hear out both parties," Ashraf said

The fast bowler was banned from playing in and for Pakistan by the Board's disciplinary committee but allowed to play anywhere outside Pakistan. But the Indian Premier League governing body twice refused to entertain Shoaib, insisting he could only play once he was allowed to appear for Pakistan.

The tribunal decided to suspend the ban for one month to facilitate Shoaib's IPL stint which has become a subject of discussion in cricket circles in Pakistan.

The tribunal will resume its regular hearing on the appeal by Shoaib against the ban from June 4 when the ban becomes effective again.

Before going to India, Shoaib was also let off the hook by Ashraf who had filed a 220 million rupees defamation suit against him for making serious allegations against the Chairman on a television show.

But Ashraf said his decision to withdraw the defamation suit had nothing to do with political pressure and would not affect the ban on the fast bowler.

"I decided to drop the defamation suit because Shoaib twice publicly apologised and accepted he had made wrong allegations against my character and person. I stand vindicated and my reputation is cleared," Ashraf told PTI.

 

Source : PTI