Shoaib Akhtar shall now play in IPL
MIL/Agencies/PTI Input, May 4, 2008. IR Summary
New Delhi, India: May 4, 2008 – (Sunday) - IR Summary -A big news to millions fans of Shoaib Akhtar that he is now allowed to play in the IPL and the IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has welcome the suspension of ban against Shoaib Akhtar and invited him to join the ongoing Twenty20 tournament.
There was an express condition that Shoaib could be allowed to play in IPL only if Pakistan Cricket Board either lifts or suspends the ban. Modi said that he was overjoined to get the news from Pakistan that he would not be able to play for the IPL.
The IPL chief said that he was in touch with Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Nasim Ashraf, who confirmed that the five-year ban on Shoaib had been suspended by the three-member tribunal.
Shoaib's repeated violation of the player's Code of Conduct had invited a five-year ban from the PCB, which not only jeopardized his IPL participation but also his entire career.
Shoaib subsequently made an appeal against the ban and realising that a final verdict may take long, the pacer made a fresh appeal on Saturday, requesting the tribunal to temporarily suspend the ban and allow him to take part in the IPL
Modi said with the tribunal clearing the deck for Shoaib's participation for the remainder of the IPL, the speedster was naturally happy, as per PTI Input.
"Shoaib was very happy and he is looking forward to it. He has been calling me on a daily basis. Shoaib joining the Kolkata Knight Riders squad would also add sheen to the tournament," Modi said.
"It's a great moment for us because he is a great asset for IPL. He has got a huge fan base in India and the Knight Riders are extremely happy. I spoke to (Knight Riders owner) Shah Rukh (Khan), he is very happy. He wanted Shoaib to come for one day at least. We are happy that Shoaib can now play for him," Modi added.
Modi said the pacer could play the next match for the Kolkata outfit, even though it was upto the team management to take a final call on the issue.
"He's free to play from the next match itself but it would depend on when he gets down here. The trainer and physio will check him, the coach would go through the process. So whether he would play the next match or not, it's for the Knight Riders to decide," Modi said
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