PCB softens stand on Shoaib! Drops Defamation Case!

The PCB has softened its stand against Shoaib and withdrawn the defamation case filed against him for 22 crores by Nasim Ashraf.

Shoaib should be a relieved man having things started going in his way.

He was successful in suspending the ban for a month to allow him to play in the IPL;
He was successful in the defamation case through his apology. A sorry or apology can do wonders, if you sacrifice your ego and ask for forgiveness.

It looks like Shoaib Akhtar has tendered an open public apology to Nasim Ashraf and the board. Based on the public apology and the recommendation from the Prime Minister office, the PCB has decided to withdraw the case against him.

But, his case in the appellate Tribunal will continue as it is on June 4. He was banned for speaking openly critizing PCB on its policies including his contract, domestic tournaments and general administration.

Akhtar should be a relieved man with only one battle pending in the court to remove his ban. Let us see whether he comes clean on that as well, which is crucial for his career. Otherwise, these suspension of the ban and withdrawl of defamation suit are only temporary relief and happiness!

PCB Chairman files Suit against Shoaib Akhtar

Based on the statement by Shoaib Akhtar in a television interview against the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf, that he was trying extract money from him and the players. Shoaib, though did not go against chairman in most of his interview, his recent interveiw added as a fuel to the existing controversy.

He said that the ban was a punishment in return for refusing to give the chairman a share of his salary from the Indian Premiere League. He also charged Ashraf against trying to get money from other Pakistan players.

The notice was issued by the board's legal firm on behalf of Ashraf who said the statements by Shoaib were "not only utterly outrageous, fabricated, and manifestly baseless" and aimed at asssinating his character.

The notice called upon Shoaib to "retract" his statements against Ashraf, and "tender an unconditional apology". The notice also sought damages of Rs100 million (approximately US$1.6 million) to Ashraf for "defaming him personally" and another Rs100 million to the PCB for "sullying the name of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket team."

Dalmiya Arrested and Released in Bail!

Dalmiya was arrested today and released on bail later in the day. He was charged with mishandling the funds of the BCCI to the tune of 2.9 crores rupees.

BCCI states that he has paid amount to SK Industries without getting any service from them. Also, he has claimed bills for his personal travel and expenses.

Dalmiya said that the court has ruled in favor of him in the past and truth will come out in time. Any built up facts cannot equal the truth.

Close friends and other senior cricketers felt that this is not a good situation. They said that Dalmiya contributed to the growth of the Indian cricket. He has taken Cricket to other nations as well.