The Lahore Court has just lifted the 18 months ban on Shoaib Akhtar. Is it a gain for the international cricket? Find it out in this Cricket360 article.

The verdict is out at last and in favor of Shoaib; the Lahore High Court lifted the 18-month ban imposed by the cricket board of Pakistan on this fast bowler. This at last ends the cricket controversy that started in April this year and allows this formidable player to resume international cricket for his country.  The ban was originally for a term of five years, but, on the face of pressures from many brigades, the PCB had to reduce it to 18 months back in June.  But Akhtar continued with his battle and lodged an appeal with the court. And now to the relief of his fans, he is back again to represent Pakistan in the forthcoming international matches as well as in the domestic cricket.

However, it is just an interim relief; the hearing for his appeal against the ban is scheduled most likely in September. But the best part of it is: Akhtar has a fair chance to represent the Pakistan team in the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan hosts in September this year. While the disciplinary actions are not new for the Rawalpindi Express from Pakistan, this time the five year long ban came as a fatal blow to his cricket career. Few believed that the now 32 year pacer could make a successful come back to the international cricket at the end of this ban.

So what Shoaib has to say? “I am relieved”.  Although he is satisfied about his fitness level, he wants to make it even better. And for that he plans to travel to England to play a few county or league matches. He expressed his eagerness to represent the Pakistan team in the forthcoming Champion’s Trophy.  

As if cricket controversies never leave Shoaib; a senior test player he was also banned last year and fined for hitting another team member. But this time card was on his table; his suspension was perceived as a loss to international cricket and this time it was the PCB who was branded villain by the media in and outside Pakistan. Shoiab’s come back means a lot to Pakistan domestic cricket which badly needs a few shots of adrenaline and only Shoaib can pump in it.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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