Akhtar might get away lightly

Dubai: Efforts are on to let off Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar with a one-year ban.

Akhtar was handed a five-year ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) disciplinary committee for criticising the board.

Following the huge outcry from his fans, politicians and former cricketers, the PCB is likely to soften their stand. According to sources, President Pervez Musharraf, who is the Patron in Chief of the PCB, is keen to end the controversy due the country's new political scenario after the elections.

The appointment of a three-member appellate tribunal to hear Akhtar's appeal is being seen as the first move in that direction.

The PCB had issued a legal notice to Akhtar for his defamatory statements against Dr Nasim Ashraf, the chairman of the PCB. As per the copy of legal notice, which was made available to Gulf News, Akhtar may have to pay Rs10 crore for defaming Ashraf.

Discussion in parliament

It is understood that the government's senate committee on sports has taken up Akhtar's ban issue. Ashraf may be called before the senate to explain the five-year-ban on Akhtar. A group of politicians also want the ban issue to be discussed in the next parliament meeting.

Though Akhtar may escape with a lesser punishment from PCB, there are chance that the International Cricket Council Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) may not spare him.

Akhtar has alleged that he had refused offers of bribes to underperform during the World Cup in South Africa and in a series in India. According to information from Lahore, Akhtar has been quizzed by the ACU investigator Alan Peacock and will make recommendations to the ICC for further action.

As per the rules players have to immediately inform authorities if any offer of bribe is made by any individual during matches.

Do you support the reduction of Akhtar's ban period? Even if the ban is reduced, do you think will he be able to perform in international cricket? Why?

I am one of the biggest fans of Shoaib and for me he is the best bowler of the present era, but anything that hurts your country's prestige should not be forgiven just because you are a star. A country's prestige is above everything. If he has done anything against the law he should face the consequences.
Danish
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 09, 2008, 11:06

Akhter is one of the best and fastest bowlers. The ban should be removed!
Adil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 09, 2008, 10:33

Shoaib Akhtar must be banned for five years because he always creates problems for the Pakistan team and he has not performed well for Pakistan.
Muhammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 09, 2008, 10:20

He is one of the leading fast bowlers in the world of cricket. Although he has a temper and proves it again and again, a five-year ban will be end of his career. Being a most entertaining player, fans love him. I think the PCB can give him one more chance to come back and prove his ability and show why batsmen fear him.
Ajith
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 09, 2008, 08:54

I fully support the reduction of Shoaib's ban. We should keep in mind that there is only one Shoaib Akhtar in the world of cricket and PCB must not lose him.
Mubeen
Calgary,Canada
Posted: April 09, 2008, 06:38

If anything, the ban should be increased. Hitting a team mate with a bat, pushing Bob Woolmer, doping, ball tampering ... did I miss anything? All this has to end somewhere.
Nawed
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: April 09, 2008, 01:43