> PCB bans Akhtar for 5 years, says 'enough is enough'

Islamabad, Apr 1 (PTI) Maverick speedster Shoaib Akhtar was today banned for five years by the Pakistan Cricket Board for repeated acts of indiscipline, virtually bringing the curtains down on his international career marked by injuries and an unending sequence of controversies. The 32-year-old Akhtar, who appeared before a disciplinary committee earlier in the day on charges of publicly criticising the Board, has been banned from all forms of cricket but would continue to be a part of the Indian Premier League.

PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf told a press conference that the Board had "lost confidence in Shoaib", who was already on probation for two years for hitting fellow pacer Mohammad Asif with the bat before the World Twenty20 Championships in South Africa last year. "We have accepted their recommendations and he is now banned.

He can't play for Pakistan or anywhere in Pakistan. Obviously, he has the right to appeal.

He can also play in the Indian Premier League which is not in our jurisdiction because we don't want to destroy his career," Ashraf said. Akhtar, on his part, has decided to challenge the five-year ban imposed on him.

"I am deeply disappointed and hurt. I will go to court and fight against the ban," he said.

"I was demoted from central contract 'A' category, which was very hurtful and as a reaction I said something. I have apologised to the PCB, before the disciplinary committee and before everyone," Akhtar said.

"So I thought that they would take a lenient action, but this harsh decision has effectively ended my career. I still want to play for my country," he said.

PTI.