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Dubai: Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar's career, which was skidding towards an abrupt end, may have survived briefly.
The Appellate Tribunal, which had upheld his five-year ban, following his numerous acts of indiscipline and public criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has temporarily suspended the ban for one month.
This will enable Akhtar to play in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders.
IPL organisers had refused Akhtar permission to play in India, stating that any player banned from playing for his country will not be eligible to play in the league.
Meanwhile, another Pakistan star, Mohammad Yousuf, may have to give up his hopes of playing in the IPL.
Interim order
An arbiter has passed an interim order restraining Yousuf from participating in the IPL. Yousuf is alleged to have breached his contract with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) and signed up for the IPL.
Yousuf, who is unsure of escaping from the legal wrangles, has instead signed up to play in the English County. Lancashire signed him as a replacement for Brad Hodge who is set to play in the IPL.
Following Akhtar's temporary suspension of the ban, Lalit Modi, the chairman and commissioner of IPL, said that the speedster would now be eligible to play in the league. Kolkata Knight Riders had signed up Akhtar for $425,000 in the players' auction.
"Knight Riders are free to invite him to play from tomorrow," said Modi. Though Akhtar may reach India in time for the next match, he may have to rush back to Pakistan on May 16.
PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf has sued him to the tune of $3.5 million for accusing him of demanding a commission from his contract with the Indian league.
The court has summoned the maverick speedster to be present on May 16 to answer the charges. The court has also stopped Akhtar from selling any of his property in Pakistan to ensure that he is able to pay up the $3.5 million compensation.
Only till June 4
Moreover, Akhtar's ban has been lifted only till June 4, which should enable him to play in the IPL finals on June 1, should the Kolkata Knight Riders make it to the last stage.
Akhtar has been banned from playing domestic cricket as well as representing Pakistan in international cricket.
Knight Riders are free to invite him to play from tomorrow."
Is the PCB justified in allowing Akhtar to play in the IPL while restraining Mohammad Yousuf? Why? How do you think Akhtar will be able to change the Knight Rider's fortunes? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com
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