Shoaib Akhtar apologises profusely at appeal hearing

Karachi: Controversial Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar apologised unconditionally on Monday at a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hearing for an appeal against his five-year ban.

In a statement read out by his lawyer, Shoaib said: “I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for any grief and embarrassment I have caused with my actions and sayings to the nation, my team and the Pakistan Cricket Board.''

“I have resolved to alter my habits and to refrain from any such actions in future,'' he added.

In response to the statement, the head of the three-man tribunal said: "His apology will be given due consideration ... and taken as a cause for leniency".

Shoaib was banned for five years earlier this month for repeated counts of indiscipline, in particular criticising the PCB for contract policies.