Shoaib gets 13 match ban but cleared for India tour

CNews Lahore, Oct 11: Controversial Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was handed a 13 match ban and a fine of 60,000 pounds by the PCB for breaching team discipline. The ban on Shoaib comes after his much-publicized spat with team mate Mohammed Asif. The punishment also includes the Twenty20 matches played in South Africa and two Test matches against South Africa. The fine effectively means Rawalpindi Express will be available for upcoming series against India. Shoaib will however be monitored by PCB disciplinary committee for a two-year period. Sources reported that any further transgression would mean a life ban. The ban is not something new for the temperamental speedster, who was earlier banned for 2 years following the presence of nandrolone in his body. But, an appellate court in Pakistan had overturned that decision. "He will not be considered for the five-match one-day series against South Africa but can make himself available for selection for the Indian tour (in November)," Naghmi told reporters. I am focusing on India tour: Akhtar Shoaib, who was present at the news conference, said he would not be filing an appeal and that he had learnt his lesson. "I am just happy the nightmare is over for me and my main goal is now playing for Pakistan again. I have apologised to Asif and the board for the incident in South Africa. I have suffered enough," he said. The 13-match ban and fine of 3.4 million is the highest imposed on any player in Pakistan cricket history. Shoaib was sent back from the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa by the team management after he hit Mohammad Asif with a bat.