PCB bans Shoaib Akhtar for five years

Maverick fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was today banned for five years by the Pakistan Cricket Board for gross misconduct and repeated violations of the players code of conduct, virtually ending his international career which has been plagued by injuries and controversies. The 32-year-old Akhtar, who appeared before a disciplinary committee earlier in the day on charges of publicly criticising the Board, has been banned from all forms of cricket but would continue to be a part of the Indian Premier League.

PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf told a press conference that the Board had "lost confidence on Shoaib", who was already on probation for two years for hitting fellow pacer Mohammad Asif with the bat before the World Twenty20 Championships in South Africa last year.

"Shoaib can't play for Pakistan or anywhere in Pakistan. But he is free to play in the Indian Premier League which is not in our jurisdiction," Ashraf said.

"Shoaib's presence damaged Pakistan cricket at every level and he has been banned from playing in any form of cricket. PCB has lost confidence on Shoaib," Ashraf said in a strongly worded decision by the Board.

The ban effectively ends the controversial 11-year career of the world's fastest bowler, which has been rocked by injuries, disciplinary problems and a doping scandal in 2007.