Lahore, September 27: The PCB will try to justify the disciplinary action taken by it against Shoaib Akhtar, as it has sought permission from the Lahore High Court to present excerpts from his autobiography, which the Board feels gives a good account of former paceman's own conduct.
Akhtar, who has now retired from international cricket, had filed a writ petition two years back against the 18—month ban and seven million rupees fine imposed on him by a PCB arbitration tribunal.
Akhtar was provided temporary relief by the court, which suspended the ban, allowing him to resume his international career, but didn't give a ruling on the fine.
PCB received the fine by deducting money from Akhtar's dues with the Board, and the fast bowler now wants his money back.
A recent scheduled hearing could not be held, and PCB legal advisor said the board has filed an application with the court, which seeks permission to submit excerpts of Akhtar's autobiography to prove what the board believes is a good reflection of Akhtar's poor conduct.
“We will submit relevant portions of the autobiography relating to his conduct to confirm to the court that the action taken against him by the arbitration tribunal was justified. We will with the help of the autobiography convince the court about his past conduct,” PCB legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi said.
The autobiography - Controversially Yours - has caused a storm in India, as the book carries some controversial remarks about the Indian players, the PCB and his fellow teammates.
Akhtar's comments about batting icons Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid led to the cancellation of book launch ceremonies in Mumbai and Bangalore.
Akhtar claimed in his book that Tendulkar and Dravid were not match winners in the early days of their respective careers. PTI
