 PCB divided on Akhtar, decision delayed
9th Jun 2008 14:02 IST
Agencies
Meanwhile, sources close to the tribunal said decision has been delayed due to lack of consensus among the members on whether to remove the ban, reduce it or accept the board's stand.
"The legal counsel for the fast bowler, Abid Hasan Minto in his arguments recalled that Shoaib had made a public apology for his past deeds and statements and was willing to reform himself," the source said.
Even the tribunal head gave indications of differences among the members, saying that a final decision would be out only after there was consensus among the panel.
The tribunal head has the final vote if there is a hung verdict.
There are Indications that the tribunal considers the five-year ban imposed by the disciplinary committee of the board too harsh and may reduce it considerably or even convert it into a fine or a ban of few matches.
Akhtar attended the hearing just two days after returning from India where he played in the Indian Premier League after the tribunal had suspended his ban for a month to allow him to fulfill his contractual obligations.
The PCB disciplinary committee, while imposing the ban, had said that Akhtar will not play for Pakistan or in Pakistan but he was free to go and play anywhere else. |
