Appeal decision gives Shoaib hope

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The 32-year-old, who was appealing a the ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board for disciplinary reasons in April this year, was also fined seven million rupees by the three-member tribunal.

"The decision was taken after a thorough review of the case," said Justice Aftab Farrukh, who headed the PCB tribunal.

"The five-year ban was too harsh and hence, we decided to reduce the ban on Akhtar. We think that he has three more years to play at the international level, so we have given him about half that time while denying him 18 months. He still has a chance to play for the country again.

"We also took into consideration Akhtar's past record and that fact that he had publicly apologised for his behaviour and past deeds," Farrukh said.

"He has promised to reform himself and we have also recommended to the board that he should be given proper counselling."

The PCB's legal counsel Tafazzul Rizvi said he was satisfied with the decision. "We accept the decision of the tribunal. Justice has been delivered," he said.

The ban means Shoaib, who has not played a match for his country this year, will miss both the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy. Both tournaments will be hosted by Pakistan later this year.

"It is up to him to appeal. We have given a decision with a clear conscience. There has been no interference from either the Board or Akhtar," said Justice Farrukh.

Shoaib's lawyer Abid Hasan Minto said they would take a decision on an appeal after studying the tribunal's order.