Shoaib's fate to be decided after Twenty20 World Cup

Lahore, Sep 10 (UNI) The fate of controversial Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will be decided by the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) disciplinary committee only after the team returns from South Africa.

PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf told reporters, ''The disciplinary committee will look into every aspect of the unfortunate incident, but only in the presence of all the concerned cricketers in Pakistan after the completion of the World Cup in South Africa.'' Overrulling the recommendation by team manager Talat Ali to ban Shoaib for five One-day International matches, PCB decided to impose a ban for an 'indefinite period' on the 'Rawalpindi Express' for hitting fellow paceman Mohammad Asif with a bat during a practice session in South Africa.

''The indefinite ban is final and there is no argument. There is no other punishment for Shoaib,'' Ashraf stated.

The incident took place 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.

Following the incidence, he was recalled by the PCB from South Africa, where Pakistan will be playing the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup from September 11 to 24.

About being asked, why only Shoaib has been singled out from the entire incidence in which Shahid Afridi was also alleged to have played a part, the chairman said that the decision was held after a thorough inquiry by the team manager.

He also revealed that the PCB's internal disciplinary committee comprises Shafqat Naghmi, Naveed Akram and Zakir Khan, who would hold the inquiry. Shoaib has some differences with Zakir.

The chairman also assured that Shoaib will be given full opportunity to defend himself and the chairman himself would be monitoring the proceedings to ensure that there is no impartiality in the enquiry, as all the members in the committee are the employees of the board.

However, he advised Shoaib not to speak to the media on the issue, adding that he would also be given an opportunity to lodge his appeal before the PCB appellate tribunal against any decision of the disciplinary committee.

UNI