Date:16/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/16/stories/2008061656301800.htm

Sport - Cricket

Shoaib Akhtar free to appeal

Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Nasim Ashraf says Shoaib Akhtar is free to appeal against the reduced 18-month ban and the hefty fine imposed on him by the PCB appellate tribunal for indiscipline.

Even as Shoaib expressed disappointment at the tribunal’s verdict, Ashraf said the maverick pacer had the right to go to High Court or even the Supreme Court.

“That is his decision. The tribunal’s verdict has nothing to do with the PCB... I can’t overturn the reduced ban on the pacer. The decision made by Justice Aftab Farrukh is final and it can only be challenged in the court,” Ashraf said.

Shoaib, after hearing the decision, said he was disappointed as it was a blow to his already jeopardised career.

“I am not happy with this decision and I am very disappointed,” he said. — PTI