All players should get together and ban the PCB and start a new cricket board.

Can't agree more Kamran, damn, assets undone like this. One would hope that the ban is revoked by a appealate board. Let someone earn his livelihood. There was no need to downgrade Shoaib in the contracts. If Medical proof backs Shoaib's breakdowns then he isn't guilty. A sober guy he..Yes he should have been managed much better. An asset even if he has hi super persona, should be managed so that only his best is highlighted & not every other step he takes he is criticised & cut for it. I fail to understand the bane. Now what we just see him in IPL, english county & not as a source of inspiration to fast bowlers watching international cricket. You don't get a gutsy, takeNoNonsense thinking bowler many a often. It seems PCB has a habit of giving unceremonious exits to it's best assets, same with Wasim, waqar, Aqib, Saeed.. Ain't worth it, is very bad

I am a loss of words. AAARGH

PCB is a set of most vengeful control freaks ever to come together in a beaurocracy-or should I say autocracy. They are using the central contract system as a way to deny genuine talent to pursue their careers under the green caps.

Talented players always have an edge to themselves and PCB SHOULD have the guts to manage them. I wonder if this board was around in 1980s-90s, then the likes of Miandad, Anwar and Imran would have survived or not.

Teams ARE ALWAYS built around players and captains AND not around boards.

In ICL, we have a team - Lahore B'shahs-that are indomitable. And PCB has managed to loose every single one of these folks. Has anyone checked Hasan Raza lately. If Inzi is still in form in ICL averaging 40+ in T20s then WHY is he not playing for Pakistan? Why Why?
Is BCCP against Dravid or ECB against Vaughn or CA against Gilchrist? I am unable to fathom this spineless board. Pak is done as long as Mr. NAQ is at the helm--SO SAD--

This ban shows lack of perspective that comes from a society that lacks perspective in other areas as well. Read some people's comment here and you would understand what I mean. pakistanis sometimes overreact with such ferocity that is totally confusing. Few months back I read such comments on Shoaib Malik that it was breathtaking; his fault-The new captain had lost a test series narrwly. Pakistanis tend to overreact just as we english often under-react.

Players do need a good understanding of what social repsonsibility they have to have, still 5 year ban for a guy who has passion for cricket will kill his spirit for ever. Punishment are given to make them perform more, bu doing this he will not have any good thing to look back to perform well. I think what is requried is to have a good chat with him instead of the ban

I enjoy reading your understated sarcasm, however in this case, I believe you can afford to be more scathing in your criticism of the Pakistan Cricket establishment.
With the decision to ban Shoaib Ahktar for 5 years, the PCB has effectively ended his career for what? Speaking to the Press? this is the same chap who was given get out of jail cards for drugs and then kicking Asif's ass! Though I believe in free speech, one does'nt criticize ones employers publicly. Theres usually a forum to do that and Pakistan's sensationalist Press corp is hardly that forum. Shoaib was wrong, no doubt but how do you let his major transgressions slide and then come down like the wrath of God for this? mind boggling.
Shoaib Akhtar's unrealized potential is a testemant to the mismanagement of the Pakistan Cricket Board. He was allowed to become a prima donna and flout conventions because he could hurl a cricket ball faster than anyone else. His volatility was never kept in check. Thus here we stand.

This is saying-WE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH SHOAIB (& OTHERS) SO WE SIMPLY WANT TO GET RID OF THEM.

Shoaib should get a dual nationality and play against this board's team from India or England. That will be the day.

The fact is that this board simply does want to AND does not know how to deal with talent. As result they are shunning genuine brilliance - Shoaib, Inzi, Nazir, Hasan Raza, Azhar-people who actually have performed miracles-in favor of a young team that they can control.

They have instituted this policy abruptly and have disrupted the natural process of generational handoff and successions that have taken place among players. Far too many youngsters have been asked to perform far too soon at a level far too mature.

As a result we also risk loosing the talent that we otherwise would capitalized on.

How come Pakistan is the only team in which the almost no one player who played in mid - to late nineties is playing anymore? Why is it not a case with most tea

Surely this has to be an April fools joke!!!!!!!!!!!!
How can they even think of giving him such a hefty ban, ok 5 matches, but 5 years bloody hell. He's pakistans biggest threat as a bowler, he puts opposition on the back foot more often than not, admittedly he can be very illdisciplined but so what as long as he bowls fast , continues to be a threat and takes wickets , his name should be first on the team sheet.

I am here not trying to say that Shoaib is an angel but this decision is extremely disappointing. I have no idea what the PCB officials are doing. Dr. Ash has failed at every task at his hand so far and making these kind of decisions will certainly bring an end to his era as well.
I am not sure if the decision to ban Akhtar will remain as firm as it sounded from the officials but it sure do seem pretty serious for Shoaib.
But If I was shoaib, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Pakistan cricket team is on a rapid decline and there seems to be no stopping it in the near future. The other good thing for Shoaib beside NOT been a part of a poor cricket team is that he has options like ICL and IPL. He could probably make more money there, and live relatively free of unncessary spot light.
I sure do wish Shoaib well in the future. Whatever his attitude to sport has been, he is an extremely talented cricketer. Last but not least in my rambling statement.Shame on PCB & its policies

Another Idiotic decision from a clown/puppet (or whatever you may wish to call him)

Hopefully his (Dr. Puppet Ashraf) days are numbered too

Shoaib has become the Britney Spears of Pakistan Cricket. Much of the blame lies with the PCB's poor management skills as it does with Shoaib's antics. The PCB has let us all down.

It is strange that the PCB didnt take such a harsh action when Shoaib Akhtar hit Mohammad Asif with a bat, but handed out a 5 year ban when Shoaib Akhtar hit out at the PCB with a verbal volley.

Surely, PCB is taking a leaf out of its Indian counterpart BCCI in trying to become bigger than the game. Obnoxious cricket borads, both of them.

Kamran, I think you've hit the nail on the head. Pakistani cricket has become a joke and it's so sad to see what was once a giant turn into the laughing stock of the cricketing fraternity. Needless to say, our board is inept and is long overdue for a complete overhaul. But what is even more distressing is that the talent making it's way into the team seems sub-standard. Opening batsmen with flaws identical to their predecessors, 'fast' bowlers with hardly any pace or guile etc. I can't believe this is the best talent we're producing in Pakistan. Granted Shoaib was a disruption and his discipline left a lot to be desired but he was one in a long line of prodigious talents coming out of Pakistan (wasim, waqar, inzi etc). I Just hope this suspension doesn't spell the end of players of this ilk representing pakistan on the international stage

i agree with u kamran, the PCB is a laughing stock in world criket and the 5 year ban handed out to shoaib is yet another moment of madness which places pakistani cricket into deeper shit. Shoaib is the fastest bowler in the world and he is our strike bowler. Batsmen feel under pressure when they are facing him; now the attack will comprise of only 2 competent fast bolwers; asif and gul.

Hi Kamran,
I like all your articles & have read most of them.

I don't know what ails Pakistan Cricket & its authorities. They seem to enjoy being in the limelight.

Why would they want to ban one of their best bowlers ever. It seems outlandish to me.

Mind you I am not even a Pakistani to feel like this. But a cricket enthusiast.

God Help Pakistan Cricket!!!!

Shoiab-Don't worry You will come back.

Just dont't do well against India!!!!. Do well against other countries.

That's fine with me.

The PCB has got to be a parody of world cricket boards.

Well I will have to disagree with Author's point of view here, although I am a great fan of Shoaib, but still I could not find any argument to defend him, I think he has been making things difficult for himself from the last few years, but at the end I also believe that it is really a sad of Pakistan Cricket.

I think Shoaib does not leave any option for the board. The only objection I have is that board members took this step while they were in line of fire. They had to ban him for life for his earlier irresponsible acts.

You are right that this board does not have any morality to impose any sort of ban on any one, but who could argue that it is not the one deserved. This guy is no doubt extremly talented, but right from the start of his international career has indiscipline problems.
Cricketers are sportsmen and in that sense they need to display certain high character not only on field but also off field as well, and Shoaib failed to do either of these. Cricketers are role model in Pakistan and I would say Pakistanis are better off without the role models like him. If he can not take care of himself and his attitude even after ten years of international cricket, we do not need him.
He was always more interested in off field publicity then performing on field, and he should have been banned a year ago when he used drugs. If you want to look for fast bowlers being role models, just look at Brett Lee.

dear Kamran Abbasi! it is really sad to know a ban on shoaib aktar.an outstanding delivery which rattled sachin tendulkar stump in india(some years back may be 1999 series) made him so popular
in india.he is a person of highest calibre with immense potential.we in india always love him because he is the only one person who can single handedly destroy any team in his day.every body in the world was expecting him to be a legend at one day.but every thing went wrong.u cant always expect a bowler to bowl more than 155kmph.but he did this in many occations.we used to see him with envy.many in india belived that he is the correct replacement of the two great W's.unfortunately nothing happened as we expected.the reasons may be as follows
1.his indifference with inzy made things worse
2.his short temper
3.his ego with others
4.finally pak cricket board's reckless attitude(because every time he commits a mistake he was letoff with mild punishment that made him to make such comments often)

Well said. As of now there isn't any player in the lackluster Pakistani team who is as fierce, dynamic and talented as Shoiab Akhtar. I already was disgusted with PCB's policies and now they are putting an end to a very promising, yet controversial, career of Shoaib Akhtar. GOOD JOB Mr Ashraf, you stood up to your pathetic level of leadership

Is this the PCB's idea of an April Fools joke?

I’m not a big fan of Shoaib but this is too harsh of a punishment and a decision with a big asterisk to it. I’m sure there is much more to this issue than just condemning PCB. I heard that the current PCB disciplinary committee is headed by an army general, not to mention Dr. Ashraf himself has no cricket or management experience, which speaks for itself. Shoaib had sporadic moments of brilliance but was plagued by his super ego and bad attitude. He is a colorful character in the cricket world who spoke his mind more than often. It’s not like he’ll vanish from cricket altogether, he can still perform and do well in English counties and IPL. Looking at the history of politics in Pak and PCB, I wouldn’t be surprised if the new elected government gets rid of the current cricket board, Shoaib appeals to new disciplinary committee and gets reinstated. Like we used to say; in Pakistan everything goes and everything is possible.

Mr.Abbasi is right to a point. But overall, Shoaib is to blame. Look at all the incidents that he has been involved in, his attitude, and his general off-field behaviour - it doesn't take a genious to see this was coming. Maybe the board have had enough of him and are punishing him in a way that gets rid him of him. He is a bad influence and behaves like a superstar. Reputations are built over time and Shoaib has not valued his "time". I beleive it is the best for Pakistan cricket that Shoaib is no longer a part of the set up.

As for the board - just take a look at the way the whole country operates - its no surprise.

I think Kamran Abbasi has been living under a rock these last ten years. This ban is long over due. Shoaib has made a mockery of himself and has been detrimental to the team's cohesion for many years now. Forget everything else, this man attacked his own team mate with a cricket bat. Does the absudity of that completely escape Kamran Abbasi. He has repeatedly defied Pakistani cricket authorities for which he has no justification. Even if the current board is inefficient, that is by no means any justification for his actions. Lets not forget when he got in to a physical altercation with the late Bob Woolmer. Kamran Abbasi has an unhealthy habit of criticizing for the sake of criticism. This ban is obvously retroactive given his history and not just about these latest comments as was made evident when Kaneria was let go with a severe reprimand. A little objectivity Kamran, just a little. There is a trend to always conveniently place blame solely on the board regardless of who is in power

PCB is the most senseless cricket board ever. Totally baseless and senseless ... What is the point of a 5 year ban , it literally ends his career !!!

Good riddence, I say. He has been a continuous source of indiscipline and rifts in the team. Nobody is above the team, no matter how talented they are. This decision is few years too late. PCB may be a joke, but I fully agree with their stand for once. Let's hope they don't back paddle, which I suspect they eventually will.

OMG!!!! this is the worst decision ever taken by the pcb......they r making a serious and idiotic mistake with shoaib , in my view the most talented bowler in the world along with a few others lik murali n co. pcb should repeal this action or else not onli pakistan but the whole criket world will be left withput the worlds fastest bowler....i hope shoaib will return ...n prove yet another 1000th time that he is the most threatening bowler on the planet!!!

PCB may have acted unreasonably.But Shoaib Akhtar is no angel. No Pakistan fast bowler has acted the way he has and over a long period. His liability factors far outweigh his assets to the team. I think Pak authorities have been lenient with him over the years and that is the reason he has been able to play whatever cricket he has. I think Pakistan will now be able to build a team for the future in a more relaxed manner. The captain will know that his strike bowler is available (bar injuries) whenever he wants. This could not be said in the case of Shoaib. His tantrums went too far and as a follower of cricket,I think it will be good for the game and team cohesion.

I think, Shoaib certainly deserve this ban.

Once again N.Ashraf has proved just how incompetent he is in the job of chairman.I have never heard of top players(in this case, one of pakistans truly great bowlers, of which asif and gul do not come close) being banned before there retirement, they are just too valuable.Ashraf and his board of dictators have made it seem that nobody can talk against them, surely improvement can come only from hearing the criticism first. As a top player,I believe Akhtar had the right to question his demotion,especially in light of some weird promotions and demotions.Misbah ul huq hit a few hundreds on FLAT pitches and seems to get close and then throw it away,what sort of testing innings has he played to deserve category A,i would like to see him repest those innings in england or south africa, where pitches are made for bowling. The pcb have banned him for 5 years and not for life makes me think that the PCB belives that he may return to play, at 37.Thats bull****, hence The blooding of Sohail khan.

Although the BCCI is as unprofessional at times as the PCB, in India, the media and fans do vent their anger when the Board takes rubbish decisions (like the Ganguly issue etc). Probably its time the people and media to voice ther protest too

Thats ridiculous,None of the board will do their star players like this .Anybody should have freedom of speech.I am afraid Dr Nasim Asharaf has made wrong decision to ban Shoaib.
Pakistan cricket board has failed in every aspect .they cant even organise the matches for pakistan what else they are going to do ,when all the other teams are playing cricket why pakistan have a big gap .incase Australia had tourd Pakistan still i think we had 3 test matches in this year .I dont understand what the board members were doing when FTP was set up .In the end i would say Pakistan cricket board is full of JockerS

the sooner the new government establishes a new board then the better it will be for pakistan cricket.
nasim ashraf is just a fool,
how the fook can you ban som1 for 5 years for something like what shoa9ib has done?

The ban is well deserved.

Though I am no fan of the PCB and its juvenile policies, I think Pakistan cricket needs to move on. Shoaib Akhtar looks for trouble and constantly creates unnecessary disruptions (see ABN/AMRO logo issue). That is high price to pay for a match-winning performance once a year. In terms of the magnitude of this 'breach', it really was the last straw that broke the camel's back. Let him make money and take his soap opera IPL and Bollywood. Good Riddance!

DNA has effectively raised the pride of Pakistan cricket by promoting them from the level of court jester to bhaand-in-chief of world cricket.I'd say PCB punished shoaib because he was found guilty of holding up the mirror to them. By offering someone Special retainer ship, you are not setting the best example of professionalism for someone you want to punish for unprofessionalism. No doubt Shoiab has been let off too many times and most of the times undeservingly so, he should never have been able to make it through the Asif fiasco. But not only PCB allowed him to get away with it but also get punished him for a far meager offense. Talk about double standards. I wonder when Nawaz Sharif sends a calling for Khalid Mehmood. PCB has been reduced to a bunch of jokers, look at their record..the touring program has been reduced to a laughing stock, hasn't the PCB been slapped from every single cricketing other board over it??? Everyday u hear about a new team touring at new dates.:@

Perhaps there should be a life ban on Dr. Ashraf never to enter any leadership role that even remotely deals with professional sports. Under his leadership, Pakistan cricket has gone from bad to worse to ludicrous.

If PCB keeps up with their moronic ways, even Zimbabwe will refuse to play against Pakistan.

Both Shoib & PCB can't make cricket more exciting than this. This is what they are good at. A way to remain in news as no good team wants to play them on their land.. Bye Pak Cricket.

shoaib has been working extremely hard to end his career with the ban but no matter what he tried he could not succeed. He hit people took drugs played when he wanted and left people out to dry when he didn't. He must have thought " what does a guy have to do to get banned here.... ?". Today must be a happy day for him. He has finally succeeded in getting what was rightfully his.
P.S Mr Abbasi . You have a point in criticizing the board but not on this matter.Q :When will people learn to take responsibility for their actions? A: When people like you stop piling it on someone other than the one deserving it.

kamran saab,
dont worry..believe me, following events will slowly unfold...

a. shoaib will appeal against this decision
b. PCB will set up a review committe
c. they will overturn this decision and hand him a ban of some x test matches and/or y odi's.
d. he comes back and will find some weird way to get into trouble again.

:)

It is a show of blatant stupidity from Nasim Ashraf. Lets hope that the new government ditches this moron. This idiot has destroyed whatever reputation Pakistan had in the cricketing world. His tenure has been marked by disastrous results yet this bufoon still has the audacity to ban matchwinners like Shoaib Akhter. Nasim Ashraf is just in the job because of his close friendship with Musharraf. He does not have any cricketing experience and does not have any right to decide the fate of Pakistani cricket.It is time to dump this idiot and find someone who actually deserves the job. The Pakistani team has already been reduced to a laughing stock, it is scary to imagine what they will do without a matchwinner like shoaib.

Well because of new Government, Ashraf will have to leave. New management will overturn this decision, and Shoaib will be back to his mischievous ways again ;)

An especially sad indication of Pakistan cricket nowadays (even though this is nothing new). The PCB's crippling ineptness is making Zimbabwe Cricket and Chingoka look good. And Shoaib Akhtar's finally complete list of 'misdemeanours' is is in no small part thanks to a board that has no idea whatsoever how to look after its players. Shoaib is an idiot (a gifted idiot, though), and he is obviously very culpable. If only he had some decent support... maybe the '99 World Cup, Kolkata Test, etc wouldn't have been such isolated events. Now Pakistan cricket is in an even more desolate place, and the dream line up of Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul and Shoaib Akhtar will forever be unrealised. His obvious idiocy and the endless faults of the PCB have left yet another indelible mark on cricket. Still, it won't make a great deal of difference- Shoaib has only a couple of years left, and the ICC (read BCC) are ensuring that Pakistan play all of 3 (maybe) important games in that period. How pointless.

Totally agree. I'm an Indian supporter and feel disappointed about this decision. 5 yrs for speaking against the board? What a joke! If they really didn't want him to be in the team, they should just let him know that he is just not part of their plans and be done with it. This decision to take an indirect route puts the already poorly perceived PCB in far worse light.

I think this is a great decision by the PCB.This guy is uncontrleable and he was given more than his fair share of chances.There is no way in hell that Akhtar will ever learn his lesson and he will continue to be a bad influence on the field for other players.He is the biggest CHUCKER in the history of the game and a convicted drug offender how can u possibly manage an individual like that . I think he has been lucky that he was able to play all these years with his attitude and unprofesional approach.I think we will be much better off without this egoistical maniac

It is a sad day. I never write to these columns. For the last year I have lost interest in following Pakistan cricket, and I am one of those supporters who attended as many matches as possible to watch Pakistan play.

Shoaib has always been handled poorly by PCB, management, coaches and captains. Now today he receives this hefty ban - only in Pakistan are we so adept at shooting ourselves in the foot.

Shoaib is better off without Pakistan, but Pakistan is much the poorer for his absence - a very sad day.

Even a half-fit Shoaib is better than most of our existing bowlers; a Shoaib that plays only half a match will do more than other fully-fit bowlers that play a complete match. Those beautiful fast inswinging yorkers that uproot the stumps, the aerplane celebration - wow, what a bowler. He bought so much to any match that he played and the crowd would always wait with baited breath as he came in to bowl.

The way Pakistan cricket works, he will be back, I hope.

Come play for India Shaoib...I am sure they will treat you fairly..or for that matter Bangladesh..and once you play against Pak and decimate them..you will be vindicated...
Sad to see you go..

I may not agree with u here Mr. Abbassi. This person known as Shoaib Akhtar may have undoubted talent and abilities but he also have brought disgrace to the nation more then anyone did before. Not only this, if you see his whole career he has only played 48 tests!!! he may have been a match winner but his own proud of him being legend has always brought him down. I still remember the series in australia when he said that its me only against australia and i cant win games alone. Him being calling himself 'ferrari' or an 'aeroplane' considering himself a legend never performed consistently or behaved like a legend...iam sorry. If he looks at the careers of true legends like waseem, waqar or imran then he would know..they were all fast bowlers too dont forget as i am not including all time great Miandad who won pakistan matches more then shoaib's number of wickets!!! I THINK HE GOT EXACTLY WHAT HE DESERVED. OUR CRICKET HAS TO LIVE WITHOUT HIM FOREVER PLEASE.

this is surely a sad day in the history of cricket.the fastest bowler in the world is ending his careerwith a ban.how pathetic it is for him and his fans!!i am totaly disappointed with this board.first they demoted him from category A to retainership.that was certainly not justice.then this very board made him the captain of federl areas in a domestic compttn.how fluctuatin decision can be!!!then when he commented on that they call for a hearin.and after his apology this matter ended up with almost a life ban.certainly this board does theior work with theior whims.and they once again failed to prove their international standard!!feeling really bad for the extreamly talented player.hope ipl can bring a bright side in his life.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. With the change of governement, Nasim Ashraf's days as the Chairman are numbered. All his stupidity can hopefully be reversed. He definately has been the worst chairman in PCBs entire history.

I agree with you! The PCB messed up yet again... Except this time they've done something terribly stupid. I don't think Shoaib is completely innocent; he deserves punishment for being such a twit, but banning him got five years is going too far. Its another way of saying he's never coming back for international cricket. We should launch a protest to this unfair decision! Everyone keeps complaining about him being blasé and uninterested in his country, but has anyone ever bothered attempting to understand him?

I do not think so. He will be back. Recently in Pakistan people have returned to public service having more serious allegations,People Like Zardari, Ms Bhutto, Mr Nawaz Sharief and others and on top of that ousted Judges are back with bang!!! Shoib will be back in six months or so!! I can bet on that!!.

anser azim Chicago

dr and co is a dumb company .. he has no sense of cricket operations . he first removed waqar when he was doing such a great job and now again and again imposing bans and then at the end taking them back .. he is letting pakistan down by banning and disbanning ..

Did the board lack penetrative thought while bannig him for 5 years? Probably, 5 years is a bit too much for someone who said he wasnt happy with what he got paid. However, will Pakistan cricket be better of without Shoaib and his large than life, pretentious behavior? Yes. There are cricketers in Pakistan who want to win games, not think about their next endorsement deal.

well well pakistan's dormant lethal force is banned for 5 years. Shoab has'nt provided the occasional delight for his countrymen and certainly has adverse affects on the team. Having said that, I will so not be surprised if his ban overturned. Its sad that a bowler thought to be in the same league as the two W's was'nt able to prove himself !

This is complete crap. The PCB have been after shoaib since a while now, the issue at the world cup should have been kept in the dressing room, there are plenty of other teams with such incidences who hush it down. The same was done with waqar younis, aqib javed. The problem with the PCB is it does not know how to manage players.After all there is a difference when one handles a pony and when one handles a prize stallion. No one says that you need to give him angel wings or shoes made of gold, but there is no doubt that a good management knows how to deal with individuals-individually.
It is a shame that such a talented fast bowler, has to go down in such a disgraceful way. The cricket community's feelings are reflected in the comments made by rashid latif and sarfraz nawaz. Everyone is aware of the dirty politics that go on in the PCB. It is time to remove jokers such as Mr Naseem Ashraf and appoint someone who actually gives a toss about the game and can effectively manage the team.

one has to take into account the fact that he was on probation.

I think PCB didn't want to irritate the IPL/BCCI; hence, Shoaib is banned from international cricket, but is allowed to play IPL (what a farce). However, having said that, it is more likely that PCB (after under 'interim' probe by some government commission) will overturn this ruling. I think PCB just hands these bans out to gain some attention from the international media.

good decision by the PCB. In fact excellent decision by them.Now pakistan can concentrate in trying to play cricket and try to get new talented fast bowlers in the team. Pakistan dont need him because he is a bad influence.

Couldn't agree more. Shoaib is still the best bowler Pakistan has at this time. Although his perennially injured body cannot handle test cricket without breaking down again (and again!) he still had some ODI's left in him. To ban him now for 5 years is to ban him for life. The PCB should be ashamed of their actions - but then again, it is run by slime (like the rest of the country).
I guess we will continue with our policy of mediocrity by selecting medium pace trundlers and average wrist-spinners. Maybe another 30 year old pacer should be given a debut against Mighty Bangladesh.

Do not worry Shoiab! like you the PCB is also erratic!! Erratic in every sense. No doubt they will change their mind and will recall you shortly when the going gets tough. The question is will you be consistant in your bowling action or consistantly be trouble maker on the world scene??? Shoaib you can change, remember it is PCB who will never budge and remain on their erratic streak for ever...Like great Khan who groomed Wasim Akram to be his worthy successor, PCB and their "croonies" never thought of emulating Khan and engage a dignified person to mentor you and alter your "on and off" the field mannerism. PCB stands for "Politically Crooked Board".They have always looked for a scapegoat to hide their own inability to seek permanent solutions to on going solutions. Word ADHOC is befitting the image of PCB. By the way Imran, Wasim, Waqar Abdul Qadir, Tauseef etc are glittering there on the Pakistani scene due their own abilities not becuase of PCB's farsightedness. "HOWZAT"

Sometimes, its a wonder who is a greater joker? pakistani players or the Board. A board which if it had managed its players well, would have had the world looking at them with same awe as the australian team commands. But we know this wont change, coz its cricket in pakistan. It's meant to be like this always.

I think it's time Nasim Ashraf resigned as he appears to be powerless and hasn't improved Pakistan cricket a bit. Banning ICL players hasn't help his cause, crcketers need to earn a living as their career last for no longer than 15 to 20 years. BCCI appears to have a manopoly over all the other cricket boards who seem to get whatever they desire.
It's time to do what is best for Pakiestani cricketers, surely playing cricket in different countries with different players can only inprove them.
As for Shoaib, it could be argued that he deserves it, but not for merely criticizing the board on issuing central contracts. How Mohammad Asif recieved a central contract does show some contradictions in their criteria as he's played less than Shoaib in the last year or so. It doesn't set a good example for the other players.
Just like Kaneria has been mistreated even though he's the leading test wicket taker currently playing for Pakistan.
Its simply poor management and it's time to move on

I think shoib akhtar was not serious to play for pakistan but he is the fastest bowler of the world and without him pakistan could win test matches so he should be given one more chance. the ban of five years is too much for him. pcb should let him with a ban of five or six months.

What else would one expect from one of the worst admininstration in the history of Pakistan's cricket?

If they are not removed by the new Government, each and every one of them, from the Chairman to the last "Chaprasi," then offer Fateha, and start playing some other game instead, where we can at least have a chance to win.

And to do it quickly before the money is spent on pleasure trips in the name of finding teams to fill up the gap created by Australians' refusal to tour.

The failure to get the Australians to tour and the resultant humiliation was too much and some scape-goat was needed. Unfortunatly, the willing badboy was there as always.

I am not defending Shoaib Akhtar. He has been a Blessing and a Curse to Pakistan cricket at the same time. But a Life Ban? Give me a break. The High and Mighty Lords of the PCB can't tolerate a differance of opinion or a legitimate criticism?

He has a right to question or ctiticise his demotion from category "A" to "B".

I think the board is doing a great job i.e. a great marketing job for ICL. Hats off to Dr. nasim Ashraf and his board, the dear doctor has managed to kill the Pakistani cricket single handedly and I respect the man for his actions as there is nothing left in Pakistani cricket. For the last couple of years the most fun I have had is watching Lahore Badshahs bulldoze the other teams in ICL and I would rather watch Pakistani cricketers play in ICL than the likes of Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in one-sided ODIs on home soil. For me the cricket in Pakistan is dead and I hail Dr. Nasim Ashraf for the great service he has performed for the country.

ps-Shoaib Akhtar was a great fast bowler (emphasis on 'was') and this is not the kind of a career ending that he deserves. He has made us proud and ashamed throughout his illustrious career and I feel sorry for him for what a joke he has become at the hands of PCB. Goodbye Shoaib Akhtar ... the last of the fast bowling generation.

Shoaib has only himself to blame for this and no one else. Infact the board has been too lenient with him in the past which is also one of the reasons contributing to his failures - he thinks he can do whatever he want and get away with that, which he did until now. He seriously needs to take anger managment course. As in Math, the two negatives cancel each other. Similiarly, PCB's irrational decisions have cancelled them out and the final outcome is what it should have been some time back (although this is not any justification for PCB's decisions).
Shoaib clearly is a disruptive element to the game and needs to be kept away from the team.
One last point is - money talks. Shoaib was able to earn his bread & butter thru Cricket and yet he did not contribute his due becuase he was able to get away with that. Now just wait & see how he plays in IPL - all of a sudden he'll become fit since that means a lot of money.

5 yr ban seems too harsh..

I can only think of this about shoaib's career - "What a huge waste"..with corrected action and a saner head, he could have set the stumps ablaze and helmets crashing..No..that was not to be..He could only throw his urine test sample in disgust!!!!

Dr. Abbasi! It looks like that you have lost all perspective if you believe this ban to be unreasonable. In fact, I think this ban IS unreasonable...he should have been banned for life.

As far as I'm concerned, the stupid ass does deserve to be booted out of the game. "Khuss kum, jahaN paak."

A sad but deserving end of a talented unprofessional cricketer!

The attitude of the board is tantamount to that of a big government which interferes time and again with the public (players) on every occasion a small component of the market goes awry. PCB is being too reactionary and nitpicky; the doctor's recurring presence in the dressing rooms of the team is a constant example of that. The all-powerful mother of Pakistani cricket needs to take a break and concentrate on solidifying the system thru which players emerge, rather than being whimsical in approach towards the system as soon as new developments emerge regarding players. It should be the other way around, the all-knowing mother should not interfere with the players in the national team too much, just enact a system through which players can emerge and are checked or rewarded. What the doctor is doing is that, he see's something the player does (his like/dislike) and reacts accordingly. This shouldn't be his concern at all, he should preoccupy himself with enacting a proper system.

I think very bold decision by the pakistan cricket board...he is a talented idiot, and talented idiots always bring distruction on themselves.

When Shoaib entered cricket, and his first indiscretion the PCB should have come down on him like a ton of bricks... then this guy may have learned his lesson.... but no PCB were too lenient on him and others..... so what do you expect he thinks he can get away with anything.... if anyone is to blame it Shoaib and the PCB as well

spot on sir..... this decision goes to show how stupid the boards that run cricket world over.... here is a person who has done everything from missing practice to ball tampering to doping and he is banned for criticising the board on a stupid contracts issue... how laughable!!

This is hurting...this is gonna hurt pakistan cricket ..already the team has hardly any thing to be proud of ..PCB continues to give people more reasons to laugh at them , more reasons to hate pakistan cricket. Somebody from the board said shoaib hardly played 40% of the matches during 2005-07, and they fail to read that may be that is the very reason they lost most of the matches during that period. no body had anything to say against the pcb or stop them when for no good reason a legent like waqar was fired when he was doing great as the bowling coach. Now they have punished another match winner, another asset to the team as if he has killed somebody. The PCB is a mockery, somebody needs to bring a change in the board. since 2002 more or less the same people have been running the show . And the performance of paki team 2002-2007 is poor to say he least. if the pcb cant get there team to perform during such a long period, time for a change.They are misusing power.

ths resembles an old joke in mathematics.... 16 divded by 64 equals 1/4 by striking the two sixes awy.... this decision of PCB seems aslogical as this.....

Unfortunately the cameras have been focued on Shoaib for to long. Everything he says or does comes under scrutiny. He should have remembered that, because its an unjust way for his career to end. Whether or not that decision will stay is another story. Hopefully if it gets revoked, Shoaib will load his guns for last time and go out in real style, because he is bowling is something to behold when he charging in full steam.I also dont understand how he gets a 13 match ban and fine for hitting someone with a bat but gets barred from pakistani cricket for speaking his mind, it doesnt really make sense, but it seems cricket has gone down this path now,as all cricketing boards are behaving oddly in one way or another.

Well said. It is sad to see shoaib go this way. I sincerely wish that Naseem Ashraf gets the sack and goes back to wherever he came from. We do need people in adminstration who think they are more important than the players. Dr. Naseem Ashraf is not important. If Shoaib goes, Dr. Naseem should go to for his continuous failures

also I need to add more. Pakistan's last major series against quality opposition was against india. No one who watched that series can deny that shoaib was by far the best fast bowler in the series even on the dead indian tracks. His committment was 200% if not more.. you have to be blind or an idiot not to notice that . if you cant see commitment and performance from shoaib in that series than somethings wrong with you. Even Lawson said that shoaib's performance , decipline and commitment during that trip was great. Still you din't pick him for the ODI's against Zimbabwe why? , The guy has problems I agree, but its the board's job to manage players, deal with them and take the most out of these talents. PCB needs to manage all this. Its their failure. If kamran akmal has failed in an entire season , when zimbabwe or bangladesh are playing us why dont we give sarfaraz 10 staight ODIs as a trial , why not? its just politics not cricket. Eveything in the board is messed up.

Shame to have such a wasted career, all blame is put on pcb imo, didnt use shoaib wisely, just abused him and didnt handle a genuine pace bowler like a board should have.
Shame .............

A bit too late. This duush bag needed a kick some 5 years ago any ways. Thankfully, the PCB woke from slumber. One man who will be delighted with this saga will be King Khan of the Knight Riders, another twist in his IPL tale. Every broken stump by Mr. Actor in IPL will be cheered with more zest.

The PCB has bitten Shoaib hard this time around.A 5 year ban for a verbal outburst looks harsh but keepiong in mind his past and also the fact that he was on probation, it looks fairly justificable.But this is not the end of the story i guess, U never know whats gonna happen when you're living in pakistan!!!!!

Shoaib was misled by Bollywood and its trash movies and got sidetracked from good cricket that he is capable of - his disregard for management ha slanded him in trouble and his lack of respect for fellow team members has added to his woes

To be fair to the PCB Shoaib was on probation after the incident where he allegedly clouted Mohammad Asif with a bat. In my book that would be worthy of suspension anyway. If you're on probation then if you haven't got the intelligence to behave sensibly, be professional and keep your head down then you probably shouldn't be playing international cricket.

The PCB had already established itself as an irrelevance in the Ovalgate incident. By giving Mushtaq Ahmed and Rana Naved ul Hasan No Objection Certificates they actually did the right thing for a change. To me, this is another step along the path of redemption for the PCB.

Shoaib will appeal and I for one hope he loses that appeal. The governing body is responsible for sport governance, not the judiciary. If Shoaib can't respect that fact he shouldn't be playing the game.

Shoaib is out of the international scene. Let's leave it there.

Idiotic board managed by a bigger idiot whose bans have no meaning especially since none of these jokers will be around for too long given the change in political climate. That said shoaib the moron should have stayed banned after the drug charge..

It seems that you are willing to see through Shoaib's mistakes and blame everything on the PCB. Accepted that the 5 year ban makes no sense, it should have either been a year or life; but you can not overlook the fact that Shoaib has repeatedly "pissed off" all of Pakistan, let alone the PCB. I disagree with you here Dr. Abbasi.

Shoaib was misled by Bollywood and its trash movies and got sidetracked from good cricket that he is capable of - his disregard for management ha slanded him in trouble and his lack of respect for fellow team members has added to his woes

Every great player when he retires leaves behind a legacy, heritage, traditions, memories, remembrance etc. In case of Shoaib there aren't any fond memories and he will NOT be remembered as a great fast bowler who has contributed something substantial and meaningful for the future generation to inherit from this so-called Rawalpindi Express. But, he will be remembered in so many different ways. He is a blighter who wasted his otherwise glorious cricketing career in conflicts, controversies and altercations. One can write a book or make a movie called: "Murder on the Rawalpindi Express," it will be a best seller and a hit movie. But, the subject under discussion is not Shoaib Actor, but a group of incompetent people who are turning this case like O.J. Simpson's or, a soap opera and no one knows when this one will end. The 'case,' if one looks at it with a legal eye seems clearly in favour of Shoaib. Because, at the time of raising his voice in public about his demotion, he was not even on the PCB's pay-roll (central contracts) but, lesser retainer basis, the offer he did not accept. Secondly, what kind of democracy is practiced in Pakistan and in particular in the cricket world that a player is not allowed to speak against any injustice? In Pakistan two PM's and their families were sent in exile on charges of murder and corruption. After 8 years they are back again to rule the country. And who brought them back? The people of Pakistan! Now, there is all the possibility that the new government will intervene in Shoaib's case and he will come back. In Rashid Latif's words, "Shoaib is banned BUT, he will be reinstated, this is a land where everything is possible, only the dead cannot be raised again." How true, but, their spouses can rule the country from the back seat. So, there is not only a blessing in disguise BUT in every big punishment there is a BIG opportunity waiting for you.

It is sad that a talent like that is not utilized properly.There is no one to blame for this other than Shoaib himself,no one is above the game and he tries to pose himself above from rest,which is unfortunate.I hope this issue will settle down quickly bcoz as a pakistani I like to see my team performs well not individuals making name for themselves and damaging this great sport which is passion for our nation.

Brilliant Kamran. Absolutely brilliant. It’s like you took the words out of my mouth. This Nasim Ashraf, as I said in the previous post, is a malady, a disease, a punishment from God! Ugh. Why is there no accountability in the country? Convicted felons can come back and become our leaders. Incompetent cricket administrators can relentlessly embarrass us on the global stage. And yet, we the people are powerless to do anything about it. Shoaib, if he were to be banned, should have been so during the notorious nandrolene episode for that was when he truly maligned our country’s reputation. Here, for once in his life, when calling a spade a spade, he’s been banned for five years. I mean. This is just absolutely ridiculous. Ludicrous, indeed.

kamran, don't defend shoaib, notwithstanding the fact that PCB is filled with unpredictable, unprincipled and useless officials. Shoaib has DONE enough to disqualify him from even a kindergarden school team for ever. FAST bowlers can be (fairly) decent - look at brett lee, malinga. So why shoaib is special? How many reports have been there against sachin, dravid, sanath, sanga,kumble, ponting,murali etc., about creating issues for the team, board and individuals around them? I dont know of too many. Then why is Shoaib special? He should have been shown the door long long time ago.

Hi,
Though this end may be the least deserved one but a just one. In my opinion the first end whenever it happened and then overturned, should have stood. It would have atleast avoided this use-less episode in Pakistan Cricket called Shoaib Akhtar. I think the ultimate conclusion i.e end of his career is something that is good for Pakistan Cricket. Pakistan Cricket can ill-afford such unprofessional cricketer who plays more off-field than on-field. His antics should have been stood upto long ago. I don't have any problem whith whatever he does off-field but if it effects pakistan cricket in any way whatsoever, He is unacceptable!

kamran, don't defend shoaib, notwithstanding the fact that PCB is filled with unpredictable, unprincipled and useless officials. Shoaib has DONE enough to disqualify him from even a kindergarden school team for ever. FAST bowlers can be (fairly) decent - look at brett lee, malinga. So why shoaib is special? How many reports have been there against sachin, dravid, sanath, sanga,kumble, ponting,murali etc., about creating issues for the team, board and individuals around them? I dont know of too many. Then why is Shoaib special? He should have been shown the door long long time ago.

All good things come to an end and bad things sooner.

I agree, even though he is not well disciplined he is still a vital part of the Pakistani cricket team. If we want to beat big sides such as Australia we need bowlers like him. Plus a five year band for complaining about a contract, thats ludicrous

He is being banned for 5 years for publicly discussing his dissatisfaction with his proposed contract? Sounds like the work of a ridiculous and self righteous bureaucracy, which is what the PCB is. Shoaib is worth infinitely more to Pakistani cricket than the entire collection of glorified clerks called the PCB put together.

Shoaib is a flamboyant character and understandably has some discipline issues but this is taking it much too far. True to the personalty politics of Pakistan, this seems to be something personal against Shoaib and not about him talking to the press about his contract. The loss will be to Pakistani cricket.

The PCB has gone too far here and Shoaib should be consulting lawyers. This is the same PCB that was spineless in taking a stand against Darrel Hair when he made a mockery out of test umpiring but when it comes to destroying a star player's career, they're up to the task.

The PCB's greatest contribution to Pakistani cricket would be to stay home.

Unfortunate exit From the Game:
Danish Abbasi
The hugely talented Rawalpindi express had certainly deserved the better treatment than the one meted out to him by the PCB. The decision has nothing to do with the supremacy of rules over the players as it highly reflects the professional incompetency, inefficiency and mismanagement of the Cricket board to tactfully resolve this issue in the interest of the Pakistan Cricket. No one can deny the highly irresponsible attitude of shoaib Akhtar towards his game in particular and to the team in general, but the cricket board could have arrived on a differrent conclusion than the one now. Another aspect of this entire issue is the timing of the ban on shoaib as why the previous numerous incidents occurred in the past involving this bad boy of Pakistan cricket were tolerated by the Board Management without any hue and cry. Five years ban is certainly excessive, unreasonable and unjustified, it will certainly raise many eye brows throughout the cricketing circles. Kudos to Dr Ashraf for causing tremendous damage to Pakistan cricket, cricket in Pakistan is loosing its relevance slowly and gradually for the other test playing nations of the world. Akhtar is the proven match winner keeping in view his statistics, the present mediocre bowling attach will surely miss the magic of Rawalpindi Express.

I think Dr. Ashraf needs to go. I don’t agree with his stupid policies. Yes, Shoaib is the Bad Boy but I think this management always handled him wrong. He is a match winner and should always be respected as one. How many bowlers in world can clock 100 Mile/Hour? How many win can win you matches? Looking at Pakistani bowling lineup I think soon we’ll far lesser team than Zimbabwe or Bangladesh.

Media has played an important part in spoiling his career and PCB has to blame for this nonsense. They go public with all the issues and then there were forgiveness and recalls. This all would have been handled well inside the office. I still believe the guy has some talent just don’t throw him away bring some person who has cricket knowledge to run PCB office. This management is crap…

I find it funny that Shoaib was handed a slap on the wrist for hitting Asif but a career ending ban for criticising PCB. What does PCB want to convey?

Dr Nadeem is quoted to have said "The board has lost confidence in Shoaib Akhtar and therefore felt his presence in the field was damaging to the Pakistan team, for Pakistan players and for the image of Pakistan cricket...".
Hmmmmmm. So its because Akhtar has lost confidence of the board that he becomes a bad influence on others. I would have thought that it was the other way round. Looks like PCB is learning from our own great BCCI.
As it is ICC and its member boards are epitome of incompetence, they just keep on outdoing themselves.

I absolutelty agree. The board cannot abide by simple rules, yet they slap a 5 year ban on shoaib. The guy is a bit odd, accepted- but then again, dont you need to be a bit of a unique individual to be the best fast bowler in the world. This punishment is ridiculous. We were looking like we are on our way to being the worst of the major test playing teams...now we most definitely are. What a farce!

What you have said is truly true (however that may sound). Shoaib Akhter is an extremely talented player and should have played his final years with honour. However, the mistakes that he had mode should have been overlooked for the honour of our cricket team.

Another gloomy day for pakistan.Feels like that we have distroyed our nuclear programe another gift to pakistani people by genrals friends.

I think that Akthar is a braggart who thought he was indispensable. He made a joker of himself and was a bad example to the kids who admired him. But I think the ban was too severe though Akthar is a serial offender. The PCB has its own problems as it works on whims and fancies. Perhaps Akthar was a thorn in its side and grabbed the opportunity to get rid of him. It really sad to see such great talents like Akthar and Inzy go to waste. In the end Pakistan is the loser.

Hi guys, I simply laughed off this news today!

First thoughts I had were that our cricket board are thick! Instead of banning him for five years, why not just ban him for life, as he is not going to be any good for us when he is 37! Not exactly going to be charging in!

The board are only going to reverse the decision, which is going to be more embarrassing for them!

People at the PCB need to have a quick fix, for a long time solution for Pakistan Cricket!

There thinking sucks! Seems like a load of child's play up there! It seems to be leaving the players confused!

I know this following issue has not got anything to do with this post, but not allowing Mohammed Asif play for Surrey, or any other player join county cricket is a load of b*****ks. Let them play abroad maybe they can improve there skill and experience as a cricket player! Hence making them a better player!

Catch you guys later on the next Pakistan cricket controversy!

Oh well, who's going to listen to me anyway!

I'm an Indian fan but I'm saddened by the cricket situation in Pakistan. The team looks to be heading for the second tier of test cricket along with NZ and with no team wanting to tour in the future it may not get much better.

Farcical is the word, Kamran. cant agree with you more. Agreed, Sohaib has had problems; but this is absolutely ridiculous. As the legal battles would take their own sweet time, Akhtar is welcome to IPL exploits.

I agree with you about the board but i disagree about your comments on how he didn't deserve it this time. He should have been banned a very long time ago but one thing is for sure. This ban does not mean anything. He will appeal and get away with it again just like before. If not this way then the ban will be overturned once the government changes.
We will be made to suffer once again by stupid antics of Shoaib Akhtar who just isn't interested in performing for Pakistan. His main goal now is bollywood as he knows his playing days are over either way! Ban or No Ban!

Despair not my fellow countrymen.A new PCB setup is round the corner and Mr.Akhter will be gloriously reinstated.Unfortunately he has become a big liability for whatever is left of Pakistans cricket team.The board has also mishandled his case.Long time ago he should have been referred to a professional psychiatrist to help with his personality/bipolar disorder.Instead he was sent to diagnose hyperflexibility of his elbow!!!.
I would also partly rest the blame on shoulders of Wasim and Waqar who themselves were nurtured by Imran but instead gave Pakistan cricket this gift.They should have groomed him better.
It is sad that Pakistans fast bowling resources look thin and depleted.What was once our forte is now our Achilles heel.
In the end it is a sad day for our cricket. What a waste of talent.I wonder how history would remember him!

Agreed that this may not have been the case or cause with which to issue such a stern punishment but he had it a long time coming. The way I see it is that sure he is a talented player, but he is a creator of instability in our team, its strategies and unity. The other players aren’t angels but at least most can hold their own and bowl their 10 overs, wouldn’t fling a bat at another person (no matter how provoked) and aren’t exploring Bollywood options coz they lack the self confidence in themselves to stage a comeback. The Board should also publicly accept part of the blame for the poor mismanagement of Shoaib Akhtar who was identified as a loose cannon with a lot of talent from the beginning. However ultimately it falls on the individual to accept responsibility of his deeds and do all he can to prove his merit with this talent, training, commitment and determination. Unfortunately, all he has his talent but so do many Pakis waiting in line for their chance…so lets move on

if shoaibs ban is not overturned than pakistan has lost an amazing bowler (ability wise)...now pakistan has lost that pace factor...hopefully mohammad asif and umar gul can stay more fit now...or else our team is screwed for good....and hell get rid of dr.ashraf...

Just like Pakistan army conquers its own Govt. after 3 years, PCB conquers its own players, i guess its something we are born with, we cant help it.

Dear Mr. Kamran,
Truer words have not been said about Pakistani cricket. What was supposed to be a board that manages a country which has been blessed by probably the most naturally gifted and talented players is exerting its own power to make it look relevant. What is the use of this power if your giving death sentences to players who are past their primes and far more costly to maintain? But punishing someone just because they said something negative about a biased and flawed policy borders on the line idiocracy. Shoaib Akhtar was given less of a punishment when he was on drugs and that to he was forgiven what makes this any different? What it essentially does it make PCB look even more of a joke than it already is and any idiot will also tell you that this is a distraction to make people stop thinking about the cancelled tours and why nobody wants to tour our country.

shoaib had the potential to be a great , he was the most talented bowler in the world but he threw it away with his arrogance, poor attitude and lack of character ...let this be a lesson to all aspiring cricketers, it takes more than talent to be a good cricketer, it takes courage,character, humbleness, good heart, and good attitude, shoaib would never match up to the great pakistan bowlers such as wasim akram, waqar younis, imrankhan, aqib javed, sarfraz nawaz ect so as for shoaib...good ridence ...truly good ridence

This is a real stupid decision......I think most probably the entire PCB will be dissolved, a new committee will be formed and they will reinstate Shoaib within 1 year. Anyways, with his injuries I think he would have not lasted more than 2 years. Look at Brett Lee, where he is now with his dedication and focus. I remember once both Brett and Shoaib names were taken in the same sentence.....not any more. That explains a lot.

Moreover PCB did not need to ban Shoaib Akhtar because they were not going to select him anyway. They could have just dealt with this more smartly but making a scapegoat for your own incompetence is a Pakistani national past-time. But you know what would be worse? if Shoaib Akhtar actually wins the court case against them because he was technically never contracted to them. That would be the writing on the wall for Naseem Ashraf to quit and don't we all pray for that day?...wow it must be after the 99 world cup that I am actually rooting for Shoaib Akhtar!!!

I must confess to a certain sympathy for the PCB. It is clear that Shoaib has been pecking at them, providing a steady stream of harassment and problems, without delivering much in the way of performance, that they have finally run out of patience.
This five year ban is not in response to just his questioning of the contract offered to him. The punishment is ridiculously out of proportion to this specific offense (which is hardly a crime). It is a really a response to years of hassle and insubordination suffered by the PCB at the hands of their golden boy. It is sad, though. On one of his (very few) good days, Shoaib was an amazing, superb bowler.

I totally agree with you.I think a better way to end his career was to ask him to play in local team and prove his fitness.PCB is responsible for shoiab's behaviour today as they were ignoring his mischieves all the time.

Well Kamran, you are partially right. I am more inclined towards the idea that Shoaib himself is responsible for the saga. He has misbehaved and man-handled his colleagues too many a times. He had to be punished somehow to make youngsters understand sanctity of the rules of cricket which is rightly known as "gentleman's game". Though PCB has been too harsh, but wouldn't it have been more appropriate if Mohammad Asif had sued Shoaib in a court and got him behind the bars for attacking and injuring him without any good cause? Believe you me, if it was an incident in any of the developed countries the court would definitely have maintained supremacy of law and punished the attacker rightly. We are so unfortunate that there exists nothing like this in Pakistan as the culprit gets punished by one court but the is acquitted by the higher. To sum it up, Shoaib has got the treatment he really deserved, although it is ironical that it was PCB rather a court of law. Kind Regards. Tanweer Bukhari

Does anything work in Pakistan? If the head doesn't work properly, how can one expect optimum performance from any other part of the body! I think this should explain why Pakistan's Cricket Board doesn't work as expected. The head needs to be fixed first, then the hands and the legs may achieve optimum performance through rigorous therapies.

Interesting priorities shown by the PCB.

A player gets shown to have taken performance enhancing drugs and that's no problem, let him continue playing (unless there's a chance he will be tested and caught again by authorities who take cheating more seriously than the PCB). But say a few words against the board? That's it, terminate the player's career.

The true pity of this is that Shoaib has wasted the potential that could have made him one of the all time great bowlers.