Date:15/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/15/stories/2008031557252200.htm

Sport - Cricket

Akhtar seeks BCCI help

Karachi: Amid strong indications that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may severely discipline Shoaib Akhtar this time, the fast bowler is making all possible efforts, including approaching a top Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official to speak to the PCB chief to bail him out of the current situation.

Having already been banned for 13 matches last year and fined 3.4 million Pakistan rupees for having a brawl with teammate Mohammad Asif before the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa, Akhtar is facing a situation where he could be banned for a long period and fined heavily again.

The governing body of the Board will meet on March 22 in Lahore to discuss recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, currently hearing charges of misconduct and violation of the players Code of Conduct against Akhtar. — PTI