In a stunning move, the Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday slapped life ban on two leading batsmen and former captains of the Pakistan cricket team, Muhammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, and announced varying punishment for five other top players for indiscipline and misdemeanour during recent foreign trips.
Former skipper Shoaib Malik and fast bowler Rana Naveedul Hasan have been barred from playing in any format of the game for one year. All-rounder Shahid Afridi and wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal have been fined Rs 3 million each, while Akmal’s younger brother Umar Akmal will pay Rs 2 million. Afridi and Kamran will remain under “observation” for six months to ensure good behaviour, according to a press note issued by the board in Lahore.
The PCB acted on a report by a six-member inquiry committee set up to probe the causes of Pakistan’s debacle in recent tours of Australia and New Zealand. The committee was headed by Waseem Bari.
The PCB action was widely acclaimed by former Test cricketers and holders of senior positions in the board, many of whom said the action was long overdue and should have been taken much earlier to restore discipline and order in the team that has suffered series of debacles in its outings during the
past two years. The PCB and its chairman Ejaz Butt also came under strong criticism for their failings.
There were, however, discordant voices on the severity of the punishment meted out to Younas Khan and Mohammad Yusuf, who have been ousted from the national team, but allowed to play domestic or county cricket. Both were accused of indulging in mutual acrimony and wrangling that adversely affected team morale and discipline.
Former PCB chairman Arif Abbasi, pace bowler Sarfraz Nawaz, leg-break legend Abdul Qadir and “Asian Bradman” Zaheer Abbas justified the penalties hoping it would set an example for the younger players and help build a more cohesive and disciplined team. Sarfraz Nawaz said PCB decision had confirmed reports of match fixing by some players.
Shahid Afridi has been held responsible for bringing Pakistan cricket to shame internationally by indulging in ball-tempering in the T-20 match against Australia.
