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The PCB has softened its stand against Shoaib and withdrawn the defamation case filed against him for 22 crores by Nasim Ashraf.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

Shoaib Akhtar can play in IPL!

Shoaib Akhtar's ban has been suspended for a month and hence he becomes eligible for playing in IPL.

The appellate tribunal decided to suspend the five year ban imposed on Shoaib Akhtar for a month, that is, till June 4 when the next meeting will happen. The PCB also has issues a "No Objection Certificate" to enable him to feature in the IPL.

Lalit Modi, the chairman and commissioner of the IPL, confirmed that Shoaib will play the tournament. "We look forward to Shoaib playing for us," Modi said. "I am going to call him immediately and invite him to come to Kolkata tonight or tomorrow morning."

The tribunal announced the decision today. They said: "We have suspended the ban for one month and the next hearing will be held on June 4." They further said, "Had we not suspended the ban, he could not have been played the in IPL, which we thought was injustice to Akhtar."

Shoaib looked relieved. He said, "This is a great relief for me as I am keen to play in the IPL," Shoaib said. "But this is just one battle won and we still have to win the final case."

The relief came after Shoaib's lawyers presses for the suspension of his ban.

In addition to the ban, Shoaib is also facing a defamation suit for Rs. 22 crore filed by PCB chief Nasim Ashraf.

He was banned after speaking openly about the contract he was not provided with by PCB, the pitches, domestic tournaments, and administration in general. He made this comment during his probabtion period of two years for hitting his mate Mohammad Asif with the bat before the T20 world cup last year.

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."