Shoaib sent back home after Asif bust up

Lahore, Sep 7 (UNI) Pakistan cricket today plunged into a new low just ahead of the start of the Twenty20 World Championship with controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar being asked to return home for hitting fellow paceman Mohammad Asif with a bat during practice.

The incident took place yesterday during the team's net session at the Centurion Park where a heated arguement 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,'' PCB Chief Executive Shafqat Nagmi said.

Naghmi said a detailed inquiry into the incident would be held after Shoaib returns to Pakistan.

''Shoaib has also admitted to hitting Asif. Thankfully Asif didn't suffer any major injury but a bruise on his left thigh and he will be okay,'' he added.

No decision had been taken on sending a replacement to South Africa, which is allowed under tournament rules, although Mohammad Sami is reportedly being lined up.

Naghmi said the board was clear on its disciplinary policy and that no player was bigger than the game.

''No one will be spared if he flouts the rules and team spirit.

What has happened is something that has shocked us.'' The Pakistan team management had held several meetings since last night 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