Indian Premier League and Cricket News by IPL Cricket Forum

Shahrukh spoke strongly in favor of Pak bowler Shoaib Akhtar who is in the middle of a controversy in taking part in cash-rich Indian Premier League, Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan said he would ask the Indian Cricket Board to review the decision.

Khan’s support comes in the wake of BCCI’s decision to disallow Shoaib from playing in the IPL tournament in view of Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to ban him for five years.

“I will talk to Lalit Modi to reconsider the decision,” said Shahrukh, who is owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team, for which Shoaib has been roped in to play.

He said the charges against the fast bowler are not so serious that his presence could create a negative impression in the minds of young crickters.

“It is a ban related to his behaviour and I hope things get sorted out in our favour,” Shahrukh said.

Knight Riders truly has a great mentor in SRK.Shoaib Akhtar Filed his appeal today against the five year band handed over to him by IPL. PCB had already initiated the legal proceedings earlier on thursday.

BBC adds - On Thursday, the PCB and its chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf began legal proceedings over allegations Shoaib, 32, made after being handed his lengthy suspension.

The PCB denies it has been told by the prime minister to review its punishment of the controversial fast bowler.

Chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said: “No-one from the government has given us any instructions on this issue.”

He added: “The tribunal will reach a decision based on facts not because of any politics.”

Shoaib’s lawyer, Azeem Danyal, claimed the ban for disciplinary breaches was illegal and unconstitutional and was confident of having it removed.

“We have asked the board to give us a copy of the detailed judgement of the disciplinary committee by Monday after which we can prepare our case,” he said.

Naghmi said once the copy was given to Shoaib’s lawyers, the seven-day period to begin the appeal proceedings would start.

He insisted: “All the procedures of the board constitution were followed properly. Shoaib was given a fair chance to defend himself.”

Meanwhile Shahrukh Khan told Indian TV news channel Times Now: “We believe
that Shoaib should play. It is a ban related to his behaviour and I
hope things get sorted out in our favour.”

He added: “Shoaib is a
great player and I would like to have him back. I don’t know why he
cannot play. I want him in the team as he is very important for Kolkata
Knight Riders.

“I know I am allowed to take another player, but I want Shoaib back.”

We need to wait and watch for the leagl proceedings and hope for the best outcome.

Shoaib Akhtar Filed his appeal today against the five year band handed over to him by IPL. PCB had already initiated the legal proceedings earlier on thursday.

BBC adds - On Thursday, the PCB and its chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf began legal proceedings over allegations Shoaib, 32, made after being handed his lengthy suspension.

The PCB denies it has been told by the prime minister to review its punishment of the controversial fast bowler.

Chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said: “No-one from the government has given us any instructions on this issue.”

He added: “The tribunal will reach a decision based on facts not because of any politics.”

Shoaib’s lawyer, Azeem Danyal, claimed the ban for disciplinary breaches was illegal and unconstitutional and was confident of having it removed.

“We have asked the board to give us a copy of the detailed judgement of the disciplinary committee by Monday after which we can prepare our case,” he said.

Naghmi said once the copy was given to Shoaib’s lawyers, the seven-day period to begin the appeal proceedings would start.

He insisted: “All the procedures of the board constitution were followed properly. Shoaib was given a fair chance to defend himself.”

Meanwhile Shahrukh Khan told Indian TV news channel Times Now: “We believe
that Shoaib should play. It is a ban related to his behaviour and I
hope things get sorted out in our favour.”

He added: “Shoaib is a
great player and I would like to have him back. I don’t know why he
cannot play. I want him in the team as he is very important for Kolkata
Knight Riders.

“I know I am allowed to take another player, but I want Shoaib back.”

We need to wait and watch for the leagl proceedings and hope for the best outcome.