Pakistan board upset over Shabbir verdict

Faisalabad: The verdict from Dubai on pacer Shabbir Ahmad has disappointed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). They hardly expected the International Cricket Council's Bowling Review Group (BRG) to ban him for one year.

However, the PCB has decided to back Shabbir and ensure that his career does not end. Abbas Zaidi, Director, Cricket Board Operations, said: "The decision is a shock for us but we will not abandon him. We know he will be depressed and would need our board's backing."

Shabbir is the first bowler to be banned for one year on having an illegal action. Former Pakistan pacer Sarfaz Nawaz had been working on Shabbir's action and had also prepared a video footage of his modified action.

It was presented to the BRG in Dubai by Saleem Altaf, PCB Director, Cricket Operations.

Zaidi revealed that Shabbir will not be stopped from playing domestic cricket. There are also plans to send him abroad to correct his action..