Decision on Shoaib's appeal to be out this week: Tribunal judge

Karachi, Apr 28 (UNI) The PCB's Appellate Tribunal (AT) which is to review fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's appeal against the five-year ban imposed on him for breaching the Code of Conduct is hopeful that a final decision on the issue can be out within this week.

The Tribunal will start its proceedings today and Justice (retd) Aftab Farrukh has expressed his hopes that a verdict on the matter wouldn't take too long.

''I think the tribunal can give a decision this week depending on how long the defense lawyers and those representing the board take to wind up their arguments, this is what my experience as a lawyer and Judge since 1962 says,'' he said.

Farrukh further added that if the tribunal members have no objections, the proceedings could be shown on camera.

''...If my colleagues on the tribunal and the board have no objection it can be done,'' he said.

Farrukh said the defense lawyers should take a maximum of two days to wind up their arguments while same number of days would be taken by the board lawyers.

''The tribunal will now rewquire two or three days to reach a final decision. But now the hearing would be held regularly and properly since the defense lawyers have now been provided all the relevant documents of the case and have also filed a supplementary appeal with the tribunal,'' he said.

Earlier this month, Shoaib was banned for five years by the PCB for several disciplinary violations.

However, Shoaib filed an appeal against the ban, claiming it to be unjust and a vindictive action on part of the board.

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