Ban on Shoaib suspended

Chennai : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tribunal on Sunday suspendedthe five-year ban on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for a month. The PCBmove will enable Akhtar to take part in the on-going Indian PremierLeague (IPL)."We have suspended the ban for a month. From June 4, the five-yearban will be effective again," said Farrukh Aftab, who heads thetribunal, in Islamabad.The PCB acted on a request from Akhtar's lawyers who said the IPLwas refusing to allow the bowler to take part in its Twenty20competition while the ban stood. The PCB ban, for several disciplinarybreaches, pertained to representing Pakistan and playing cricket athome. However, the IPL insisted on the ban being lifted or suspended.Akhtar has been signed on by the Kolkata Knight Riders for $450,000. He could boost the attack of the side that has lost its lastfour games.Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner, IPL, said "Akhtar's contractstill stands. I am going to call him and tell him to take the firstflight to India."The PCB is expected to take a final decision on Akhtar's appeal on June 4.-Hindu.com

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