Pune, Apr 3 : Former Pakistan batsman, Zaheer Abbas on Thursday described the five year ban of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar as harsh and a loss to Pakistan cricket.

Accusing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of playing petty politics with the career of the players, Abbas further said the board should work for the benefit of the game and not be allowed to assume a position that is larger than the players or the game.

"If you keep on banning players like this, it would have an adverse effect on the other players as well. When he (Shoaib Akhtar) has expressed his willingness to play with Bangladesh, you impose a five-year ban on him. You cannot kill the career of a player like this,"said Abbas.

Abbas also said there ought to be 'spoilt kids' in every field. The tact lies in handling them and using them for the benefit of the team.

Nasim Ashraf, the Chairman of the PCB had told a news conference on Wednesday that the ban had been imposed on the recommendation of the PCB Disciplinary Committee and the bowler had the right to lodge an appeal.

"Shoaib can play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that starts from April 18 onwards as it is not in their (PCB's) jurisdiction", Ashraf said.

Shoaib has reportedly decided to appeal against the ban in court, if need be.

ANI