PCB equally responsible for Akhtar's disciplinary problems: Miandad

Lahore, Apr 2 (UNI) Sympathising with Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has put the blame on the PCB for temperamental fast bowler's ban saying, ''it is the result of the board's leniency towards the blunders he did in the past.'' ''I feel sorry for Shoaib but it is also true that he has been involved in so many disciplinary cases.

''However, I would like to add here that it is the result of the PCB's leniency towards Shoaib's blunders he did in the past. But now his (latest) offence is not that grave as several Pakistan Test cricketers in the past have done this type of wrong acts repeatedly and got away with those,'' Miandad was quoted as saying by The Dawn.

Earlier yesterday, the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) disciplinary committee, headed by Munir Hafeez, announced a five-year ban on Akhtar for criticising the PCB policies and other disciplinary issues.

''Why is the PCB now disclosing the facts and figures of Shoaib's matches he has played in the last two years? Why was any strict action not taken against him at that time when he was involved in major incidents of indiscipline?'' he asked.

''In fact, it is the result of PCB's dual policies of the past giving the bowler chances despite his indiscipline just to make him available to win matches for Pakistan, and to strengthen their places in the board,'' Miandad added.

Miandad also demanded the PCB chief Dr Nasim Ashraf to hold his post in a more respectful manner.

''The prestigious post of the PCB chairman demands respect and I think the disciplinary body chief should have announced the decision to explain the pros and cons of the case,'' he said.

Meanwhile, former captain Imran Khan, in an interview to a private TV channel, also criticised the ban on Akhtar.

''The punishment shows as if Shoaib has murdered someone. No court of law can endorse this decision,'' Imran said.

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