PCB tribunal lifts ban on Shoaib Malik

Mangalore Today News Network

Pakistan, May 29:  Shoaib Malik is available for Pakistan’s tour of England after an independent arbitration tribunal recommended his one-year ban from international cricket should be lifted.

Malik, a former national team skipper, was one of six players to be punished by the Pakistan Cricket Board for breaches of discipline during the winless tour of Australia at the turn of the year.

He has also had his fine halved to one million rupees ($11,750).

"Malik is now free to be selected in any squad of Pakistan team, but we want the players to follow discipline in future," said PCB advocate Talib Rizvi after the hearing.

The selectors have already included Malik among 35 probables for the Asia Cup in June and the tour of England that runs from July to September.

Along with Malik, all-rounder Rana Naved-ul-Hasan was also banned for one year and fined two million rupees. Former captains Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf were banned for indefinite periods, while Kamran Akmal, Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal received fines.

All the players with the exception of Yousuf, who announced his retirement from international cricket, have appealed against their bans and fines.

Younus’ appeal was also due to be heard on May 29 but, after legal arguments, it was adjourned until June 5.