Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been banned for five years by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The ban effectively ends his international career. By the time the ban finishes, Shoaib will be 37, surely too old for a comeback to international cricket.
Not content with his past wrongdoings, Akhtar recently spoke out against the PCB. It centred around the type of contract he was offered, despite his injury worries (and bulging waistline), he demanded a category A contract instead of the ‘retainership’ he received.
Previously Shoaib has been banned for two years for taking steroids. This was followed by the infamous incident before the Twenty20 World Cup last year. Hitting team-mate Mohammed Asif with a bat earned him a 2 year probation period, which this latest discretion falls inside.
Of course this situation is not fully resolved. Akhtar plans to appeal the ban, and given the way he has returned from exile before, don’t be surpised to see his ban overturned in the near future.
‘The Rawalpindi Express’ is free to participate in the Indian Premier League, coming up later this month.
7 Comments
April 2, 2008 at 1:10 am
It is too late. His past has finally caught up with him.
April 4, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Shame really. The guy had so much potential but it seems destined to remain unfulfilled. Devastating at his best. At least he can earn some pocket money in the IPL!
April 4, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Not now, the IPL have come out and said he can’t play while banned by Pakistan!
November 1, 2008 at 3:44 am
Aap ki boling muje bhut achi lagti hai ur main kud left hand sa boling karta ho
February 5, 2009 at 12:43 pm
LOVE ALAM
April 21, 2009 at 10:26 am
shoaib
October 12, 2009 at 3:03 pm
shoaib bhai team me kab aaoga