Shoib to play in IPL

Shoaib to play, but not this week

There is finally some relief for beleaguered Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar as the appellate tribunal of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday decided to suspend the five-year ban on him for a month to allow him to play in the Indian Premier League.

Pakistani appeal tribunal suspended the five-year ban on Shoaib for one month. Farrukh Aftab, chief of the PCB tribunal said that the ban has been lifted for one month and will be effective from June 4.

"The ban has been shifted to the next hearing," said the PCB.

PCB Spokesperson Aamir Bilal said that PCB won't stop Shoaib from playing in IPL.
"We said it earlier that we had nothing personally against Shoaib. This means he can now play for the IPL. If the IPL allows him to play, PCB won't stand in his way," Bilal said.

IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has invited Pakistani Fast Bowler Shoaib Akhtar to join the Twenty20 tournament. "I have just been communicated by the PCB that ban has been removed and I welcome Shoaib Akhtar to play for the IPL," said Modi.

“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 said. Modi said the pacer could play the next match for the Knightriders, even though it was up to the team management to take a final call on the issue.

A reaction from Shah Rukh was awaited, but he’d earlier backed Shoaib emotionally and firmly.
Shah Rukh said “Left to me, I wouldn’t have kept him out of the IPL, but I’m not one to fight with them. I’ll be strictly guided by what the IPL decides,”

“Shoaib won’t be considered for the match against the Bangalore Royal Challengers. He’ll first have to settle down and could be in contention next Sunday (in Hyderabad),” said coach John Buchanan, who is calling the shots in the team.

Before Shoaib got banned, Buchanan had maintained: “Look, in such a diverse group, there are bound to be players with different temperaments. Shoaib brings pace to the table and that’s a key element, particularly in Twenty20 cricket. I don’t forsee a problem as long as Shoaib understands his responsibility, the values and the culture of the team.”

The Knight Riders haven’t won for a fortnight and poor starts have been the biggest concern. While Shoaib can’t be counted upon for much in the batting department (though he has a best of 40s in both Tests and ODIs) his presence in the XI is bound to intimidate the opposition somewhat.

After a string of poor performances, Sourav Ganguly and Co. need something to give their campaign wings. Perhaps, they will be looking to soar on the Shoaib-factor.