PCB not happy with Akhtar for his off-field antics on India tour

PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf has hinted that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could face disciplinary action when the governing body of the board meets to review the performance of the Pakistan team on their tour of India.

Lahore, Dec 29 : PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf has hinted that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could face disciplinary action when the governing body of the board meets to review the performance of the Pakistan team on their tour of India.

The meeting will be held next month in Karachi.

"We are not happy with the antics of Akhtar during the tour, particularly in the final Test in Bangalore and this will be discussed by the governing body," Dr Ashraf said.

"It would be premature to comment on what the governing body might decide but it is authorised to recommend any disciplinary action against any player or official if it feels he has not shown enough commitment to the national team," he said.

Ashraf said the board was not happy with some of the things seen in India and especially with the commitment shown by Akhtar in the final Test.

"His behaviour was not right. We will be studying the reports of the manager and coach before the governing body decides to take any action against anyone," he added.

Ashraf reiterated that the board had made it clear time and again that it would not compromise on discipline with anyone.

The Nation quoted sources as saying that team manager Talat Ali in his report has made some disparaging remarks about Akhtar's behaviour while report of coach Geoff Lawson's is still awaited. Since returning home from India, Akhtar has maintained a low profile.

Meanwhile, PCB's selection committee has given a list of 31 players to the board for consideration for the central contract and reports suggest that bowlers Mohammad Sami and Shoaib Akhtar failed to impress the selectors due to their recent poor performance and in the latter's case, the off-field antics.

ANI