BCB Bans ICL Joined Players for 10 Years!

The BCB has banned all the 13 players who have sent retirement letters to Bangladesh Cricket Board and joined the ICL (Indian Cricket League) for 10 years. The reason is that ICL is not a ICC recognized body and hence those participating in their events would be treated as playing against ICC.

Though there were letters sent to ICC by ICL several times, the ICC is yet to recognize them. Maybe, it is because that BCCI is putting pressure as they did in other scenarios.

"The board decided to impose a ban of ten years on players, officials, and technical staff of the BCB, who participate in cricket events which are not authorized by the ICC and BCB," the board said in a media release. "The player, official, technical staff concerned will be banned from all events and competitions organised by the BCB and will not be allowed to use BCB facilities.

"The board is also looking into legal technicalities for taking appropriate proceedings against the players who have reportedly joined the Indian Cricket League. It has also decided to review the existing format of the contracts with players to discourage such abrupt action by cricketers in the future."

The players involved are:

Habibul Bashar, former Bangladesh Captain
Aftab Ahmed
Alok Kapali
Shahirar Nafees
Farhar Reza
Dhiman Ghosh
Mosharraf Hossain
Mohammed Raffique
Tapash Baisya
Manjurlal Islam
Mohammad Sharif

The reserver wicket keeper Golam Mabud and Mahbudul Karim is currently touring Sri Lanak is also part of this group.

These players have their own concern about playing for Bangladesh. They say that the BCB is not worrying about the players and hence this decision.

Shoabit has to Pay the fine of Rs.70M to play for Pak: PCB

The PCB has come out open and strongly said that, Shoaib Akhtar has to pay 70 million rupees as fine to ensure that he plays for Pakistan again. He was banned for life by PCB in a major controversy. He came out openly and criticised the PCB on their selection and other policies. He questioned why he was not in the contracted players list.

His punishement of life ban was then reduced to 5 years. He went to court against the 5 year ban and got the verdict in favor of him. The ban was suspended pending complete enquiry.

Though the ban suspended by the court, the PCB is not ready to mend on the fine imposed. They want him to pay 70 million rupees for getting a play in the team for champions trophy!

Will he pay or go to court again? Or the PCB will make an U-Turn again?

Shoaib Banned for 18 Months and Fined Rs.70 M!

The Appellate Tribunal set up by Pakistan Cricket Board to hear the appeal by Pakistan Fast Bowler's agasint the life ban imposed by PCB. The appellate tribunal heard Shoaib Akhtar's version and then reduce the life ban to 18 months ban and also imposed a huge fine of Rs. 70 million.

Read: PCB Softens Stand on Shoaib

Read: Shoaib Akhtar Can Play in IPL!

Read: Akhtar to Appeal against Ban

Asif Detained in Dubai!

Mohammad Asif of Pakistan is in trouble again. He was detained and arrested for possessing drugs. He was caught in the Dubai airport while going back from India after playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League).

If he is found guilty, he would be banned for life as far as cricket is concerned and go to jail for four years. "The person concerned has been handed over to the drugs unit of the Dubai police," an airport customs official told IANS earlier Tuesday."

As per Geo TV, the Pakistan television channel, Asif, the Pakistan Contracted Player, had confessed to possessing narcotic substances.

The PCB's chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi, who confirmed the arrest, told IANS from Lahore: "We are in touch with the authorities in the UAE through our embassy."

There are different versions to the story:

1) Asif slapped an airport official, they searched him and found an ayurvedic medicine, which Asif claims as a energy boosting medicine, which was termed as drug.
2) He was trapped by a sniffer dog in the transit lounge
3) He had confessed that he used drugs

If he is found guilty, he would face a four-year jail term, ban from cricket including IPL.

Asif was banned for a year and his team-mate Shoaib Akhtar for two years after they tested positive for the steroid Nandrolone in October 2006. The ban was removed on appeal two months later

Samuel to Fight Two Year Ban!

Marlon Samuel has hired lawyers to fight his case agains the two year ban. The disciplinary committee found Samuel breached section C4 of the ICC's Code of Conduct regulations, which involves receiving money, benefit or other reward which could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute.

"From the outset, we wish to make it pellucidly clear that we propose to challenge the findings of the majority [3 to 1] by way of judicial enquiry, as we believe a most grave injustice has been done by their finding of our client's liability of one of the ICC's disciplinary offences," the lawyers said in a statement issued yesterday.

The lawyers raised the following points to make a case for their client:


"The evidence in the hearing was that the hotel bill paid for our client by Mr Mukesh Kochar was a loan from a friend and father-figure which was to be repaid on Marlon's return to the West Indies."

"The evidence in the hearing was that Mr Mukesh Kochar was not a bookmaker."

"The evidence in the hearing was that Marlon only came to need a loan because money which he had expected to earn from a contract to participate in a television reality show that would have earned him a sum considerably in excess of the hotel bill, did not in fact materialise. Further, his credit card which he had tendered to meet the bill, was declined."

"It is because of the foregoing why we consider that an application for judicial review stands a realistic chance of success and we, therefore, propose to pursue it actively," the attorneys said.

Bhajji Banned for 5 ODIs

In the slapgate incident involving Harabhajan and Sreesanth, the BCCI disciplinary committee today handed down a 5 ODI ban on Harbhajan Singh. He has accepted that he is guilty and was punished.

Sudhir Nanavathi submitted his report after he was appointed as the enquiry officer for investigating this incident.

He met both the players involved--Harbhajan and Sreesanth and few other players also before preparing his report.

He submitted a 14-page report to the board, but did not include his recommendation on the punishment. He said the disciplinary committee would go through the report and take a decision on the punishment.

What would it mean for Harbhajan? He has to sit out of the tri-series in Bangladesh between June 8 and 14 and then two of the Asia Cup matches scheduled in June and July this year.

"The Committee accordingly decided to ban Harbhajan Singh for five one-day internationals, starting today and further observed that any further instance of misconduct will invoke a life-ban," the BCCI said in a statement after the committee's hearing.

"The Committee invoked Rule 3.2.1 of the BCCI Regulations for Players, Team officials, Managers, Umpires and Administrators. Under this provision, the maximum punishment that can be meted out to a player is a ban up to a maximum of 5 ODIs and / or 3 Test matches," Pawar told reporters. He also said that a copy of the report was given to Harbhajan.

"The Disciplinary committee also considered Sreesanth. He has to improve a lot and if he is does something similar in future, he will be dealt with firm hand," Board secretary Niranjan Shah said.

As far as I am concerned, I think Sreesanth was let off with a mild warning. He shoud have been banned at least for an ODI. Look at the below pictures to see for yourself on his agression. Is he fighting a war in the border against terrorists?



As far as Harbhajan is concerned, I think it is sort of okay because this five match ban carries a severe warning and could end up as life ban if he misbehaves one more time.



I think all the cricketers should behave themselves as they are representing their country and are brand ambassadors for both the sports and their country. They are role model for so many youngsters and also sports and cricketing fans around the world. Is this how they behave?



This is a general question to all cricketers. What are you guys doing after taking a wicket, especially if you take it after long time or if you take it after hit for a four or a six? You show agression agains the batsman, a fellow cricketer, pump in the air, show route to pavilion, etc.



Are you playing cricket or are you fighting war against the terrorirsts? You probably should go to the border or to the war and show this. Guys, either behave properly...after all you have just taken a wicket... and did not kill a terrorist in the war field..or do not play the sport...any sport!

Other Stories:

Harbhajan to get Fair Trial!!

Mumbai Played Without Harbhajan!

Harbhajan's Hearing Today!

Harbhajan and Sreesanth Downplay the Event!

Harbhajan Suspended Until Hearing!

Bhajji Slapped Sreesanth!

Sudhir Nanavathy Completes Enquiry!

Sudhir Nanavathy completed his enquiry into the slapgate incident involving Harbhajan and Sreesanth. He met both the players and collected all the information required.

Sreesanth was slapped by Harbhajan after the match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in Mohali, in which Kings XI beat Mumba Indians.

Sreesanth was crying in the ground caught by TV cameras and later found that he was slapped by Bhajji and hence was crying.

Farooq Engineer, the match referee found Bhajji guilty, in fact, he pleaded guilty and was banned for 11 IPL matches and fined 100% of his match fees.

BCCI appointed Sudhir Nanavathy to do a complete enquiry and submit a report. He met both the players and also saw the video clipping from the offcial broadcaster.

The investigation is over and now I don't need to talk to any player or official in this case," Nanavati said after meeting both the players on Friday. "I'm satisfied with the answers of both Sreesanth and Harbhajan. I've all the evidence that I need to prepare the report.

"I talked to Harbhajan for one hour and 15 minutes and 30 minutes with Sreesanth. They were quite friendly during the hearing."

An Ahmedabad-based lawyer, Nanavati is also vice-president of the Gujarat Cricket Association and chairman of the BCCI's finance committee.

He is expected to submit his report on Monday, May 12, 2008.

Harbhajan asks for one more chance!

Harbhajan has sent several letters to BCCI asking for forgiveness. He has said in the letter that he has apologized for the incident and is ready to give an open public apology.

He asked for forgiveness and be given a chance to play again and have the charges being dropped.

He has mentioned that he has been punished by IPL and request forgiveness from BCCI. Sreesanth already mentioned that he forgot everything about this incident and does not want to complain. He just wanted to continue the game.

Though BCCI confirmed receiving letters, everyone is in the mood of punishing him as slaping a co-player is not acceptable for any reason.

He has to go through the enquiry by BCCI to be conducted by Sudhir Nanavathi.

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.

BCCI Rejected Akhtar's Claim!

The request from Akhtar to play in the current IPL has been rejected by BCCI. They have barred him from IPL.

He was banned for 5 years, which means he cannot represent Pakistan anymore. He was banned for criticising openly about PCB policies.

Harbhajan Slapped with 11 match Ban!

The match referre's inquiry into the slapping incident by Harbhajan has come to an end. Bhajji has pleaded guilty on the charges levied against him and match referee has slapped him back with 11 match IPL ban. Which means, he cannot play the remaining matches.

Though it is an enquiry by IPL match referee, BCCI will set up its own enquiry into the matter. It will completely dig out what happened on and off the field.

In addition to the 11 match ban, he has been fined 100% of his match fee. Lalchand Rajput has been fined 50% of his match fee for not controlling Harbhajan.

We have to see how Mumbai Indians are going to plan for the remaining games. Can Sachin come back in time to save them?

Shoaib to be questioned by ICC.

The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of ICC to be questioned by ICC is the unofficial news. Already couple of officers are in Pakistan to question him.

Shoaib mentioned that he was approached by match-fixing brokers during the tours of South Africa and India.

Earlier a local channel here reported that an ACU official was in Lahore to probe the claims made by Akhtar.

The ICC has officially said that its officers would talk to Akhtar for his statements on a television show that he was offered money to under-perform in matches on several occasions but he turned them down.

ICC Code of Conduct states that any player who fails to report an approach to fix games or under-perform to his captain, team manager, board or ACU officers may face a minimum ban of one year and maximum of five years.

Akhtar never reported these approaches to any team official, the board or ACU officers.

Shoait Cannot Play in IPL

Based on Pakistan Cricket Board's decision of banning the Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for five years, the Indian Premier League committee also said that, Shoaib cannot play in the IPL.

He was banned for five years as a disciplinary measure for speaking against the Pakistan Cricket Board's policies. He was also not happy for not providing him a contract.

Mr. Bindra, a member of the IPL governing body during his interview to an online media said that, "if he can't play for Pakistan, how can we play him? There will be no discipine left in the game and it will set an unwanted precedent."

Kolkatta Knight Riders spokesperson confirmed that they have received a communication about Shoaib's situation and he should not be included in the team until he is cleared or the ban is stayed.

Meanwhile, the owner of Knight Riders Sharukh Khan said that "he can hire another player, but he wanted Shoiab Akthtar."

Shoaid to Play in IPL!

Shoaib Akhtar announced that he will play in Indian Premier League despite his ban in playing cricket in Pakistan or for playing Pakistan.

We have to wait and see whether he will be eligble to play because Pakistan Cricket Board has banned him for 5 from playing for Pakistan or in Pakistan.

Only yesterday, Shoaib had claimed that the willingness of the Knight Riders to play him confirmed there were no disciplinary issues. "If I had been so indisciplined and had an attitude problem as the Pakistan board claims do you think that Shahrukh Khan or [Sourav] Ganguly would want me to play for their team in the IPL," Shoaib said.

Good luck Shoaib!

Akhtar to Appeal agaisnt the Ban!

Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akthar has said that he will be appeal in the court against the ban imposed on him couple of days back. He was banned for speaking against PCB.

He said that he is innocent and has apologized already for all his mistakes. He is also not a contracted player with the PCB and there is no reason why he should answer PCB. He does not follow in the code and conduct rules and regulagations.

Shoaib was banned for comments he made after not being offered a contract by the PCB, in which he lashed out at domestic tournaments, pitches and the administration. He was already in probation following a dispute with Asif and for hitting him with bat.

Akhtar said that he was deeply disappointed and hurt and he would go to court and fight against the ban. He said that he was demoted from central contract 'A' category, which was very hurtful and as a reaction he said something. He said that he still wants to play for his country.

Shoaib has been plagued by injury and controversy since he began his international career in November 1997. He was twice sidelined over throwing allegations and was also banned for a breach of code on tour and ball-tampering.


We have to wait and see whether he will be successful in his appeal against the ban and the fight with the Pakistan Cricket Board.