PCB lifts ban on Shoaib Malik

KARACHI: The Appellate Tribunal, headed by Justice (rtd) Irfan Qadir, probing the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) punishments on the players has lifted ban on the disgraced all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who recently married the Indian tennis queen Sania Mirza, after finding his conduct up to the level of liking,

The Tribunal has also scrapped the fine imposed on the controversial cricketer, who has been reportedly involved in the off the field politics in the team.

As per the sources in the PCB, the Tribunal has taken the decision after they found behaviour of Shoaib Malik as per the code of conduct, however, some eyebrows have raised in the cricket board about the abrupt decision.

Shoaib Malik’s lawyer told media outside the National Cricket Academy, where the hearing was conducted Friday, PCB has abolished the ban and the fine imposed on the all-rounder and now he is eligible to represent the country.

The decision has come at a time when the selection committee of the Board, headed by former test opener Mohsin Hasan Khan, has selected Shoaib Malik in the list of 35 players which would lead to the final squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and the all-important tour of England where Pakistan are due to play six test matches against England and Australia.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had imposed the ban of a year and Rs2 million fine on Shoaib following his involvement in players power and politics within the team.