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PCB chairman Dr. Nasim Ashraf announced a five-year ban on Pakistan cricket’s bad boy Shoaib Akhtar for violating players’ code of conduct, after Shoaib appeared before a disciplinary committee in his home town Rawalpindi, this afternoon.

The ban leaves him not to play for Pakistan or in Pakistan cricket at any level for half a decade. He can, however, play in IPL starting this month. “Shoaib’s presence is a danger for the team. The board has lost confidence in him.” Dr. Nasim Ashraf spoke to the media this eve. “The board works within the constitution of the board. It’s a sad day for me as he (Shoaib) is such a talented player.” He added.

“I shall decide what to do in next couple of days” said Shoaib Akhtar after he heard about his ban. He can appeal against the ban within next seven days. “We shall proceed according to the policy of the board if he appeals against the decision” told Dr. Ashraf to the media personnel.

Shoaib had played only 13 tests since 2005 and was already on probation for two years after he hit M.Asif in South Africa before Twenty-20 World cup last year. He protested against his exclusion from the Category A of the central contract offered by PCB to its cricketers in February this year. The disciplinary committee summoned him for this action today and handed over its report to PCB this afternoon recommending a 5-year ban for the world’s fastest bowler commonly known as ‘Rawalpindi Express’.

Hanif Abbasi, a newly elected MNA from Rawalpindi protested against the strict decision and said that the decision makers of the cricket board will soon have to face the music for making such decisions.

Meanwhile, leg spinner Danish Kaneria was issued a warning for his statement given against PCB. He was warned not to issue such statements and was not handed over a ban as it was his first offence according to the board. Kaneria made strong statements in a column against his demotion to Category C from Category B.