Shoaib Akhtar banned for 'indefinite period' by PCB

Karachi, Sep 8 (UNI) Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to impose a ban for an 'indefinite period' on the controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akatar, for hitting fellow paceman Mohammad Asif with a bat during a practice session in South Africa.

Overrulling the recommendation by team manager Talat Ali to ban Shoaib for five One-day International matches, PCB's Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi said that the bowler will remain banned until the disciplinary committee comes up with its final verdict.

''At the moment I cannot say when we will be able to hold the inquiry but till a final verdict can be reached, Shoaib will remain suspended,'' Naghmi was quoted as saying by the 'Dawn'.

The newspaper also added through sources that Shoaib, who appeared before the team manager Talat Ali Malik after hitting Asif, alleged that all-rounder Shahid Afridi had also played a role in the brawl. He also added that Asif had been hurling abuses at him. There are reports that Asif was caught by Shoaib Akhtar when alone in the bathroom of the dressing room, where he was beaten up badly by Shoaib.

The incident took place during the team's net session at the Centurion Park where a heated argument between the two pacers ended up Shoaib striking Asif on the thigh with a bat.

Acting tough on the maverick bowler, who was recently let off indiscipline charges and a hefty fine with a warning by the PCB, the Pakistan Board has told Shoaib to return home by the first flight available.

''A decision has been taken to call back Shoaib on the basis of an initial inquiry by the touring team management in South Africa,'' Nagmi said yesterday.

The Pakistan team management had held several meetings to investigate into the incident and had also been in touch with PCB Chairman Naseem Ashraf.

Shoaib, who had made a return to the side after playing just one Test and four one-dayers in the last 15-months, has a history of indisciplinary acts and run-ins with players and PCB officials and has been reprimanded on several occasions for his conduct.

Shoaib has been sent home twice before -- from Australia and South Africa -- after spats with the management. He had also faced a probe after the 2004 home series against India on whether he had faked an injury in the final Test in Rawalpindi.

On his last visit to South Africa earlier this year, he was also told to return home after he was involved in a spat with former coach late Bob Woolmer.

He was also recalled from Australia after captain Inzamam-ul Haq and Woolmer complained of his behaviour in early 2005.

Last year, he and Asif had tested positive for the banned substance Nandrolone in an internal test conducted by the PCB before the Champions Trophy in India.

The duo were handed two year (to Shoaib) and one year (Asif) bans by a drugs inquiry tribunal only to be exonerated of doping offences by a PCB-appointed appellate committee on appeal.

Even before leaving for South Africa, Shoaib was hauled up on indiscipline charges and fined rupees 300,000 by the team manager and PCB for leaving a training camp in Karachi on August 4 without informing the manager.

He appealed against the fine maintaining that he had told captain Shoaib Malik about his departure and was later let off indiscipline charges with a warning.

UNI