Shoaib Akhtar escapes punishment with a warning

Lahore, Aug 23 (UNI) Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been let off indiscipline charges with a warning not to breach the PCB code of conduct for the next six weeks.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) manager Talat Ali gave the warning after holding a fresh hearing on the orders of the PCB Appellate Tribunal.

The Tribunal had earlier set aside the imposition of a fine of Rs 100,000 to Shoaib for skipping national camp later raised to Rs 300,000 by the PCB disciplinary committee after Shoaib's failing to appear before it.

In his appeal, the fast bowler had raised the objection that he did not receive the notice summoning him to face a disciplinary committee on time.

Talat told 'The Dawn' that he let the fast bowler off with a warning after ''Shoaib had explained that the entire incident was the result of miscommunication.'' The fast bowler was faced with the charge of skipping training camp in Karachi on August 4 without informing the manager. However, the bowler maintained that he only left after informing captain Shoaib Malik.

The hearing lasted one and half hour and was also attended by Shoaib Malik, who served as a witness.

UNI