Alarm bells ring for night-watchman Shoaib

“Shoaib Akhtar started explaining his position but he was candidly told to submit his explanation in writing,” he said without elaborating further.

Shoaib was slapped with the “chargesheet” three days ago when he met Shaharyar in Lahore where he was at the receiving end of a “hard talk” pertaining to his off-field conduct.

He was asked to submit a written reply by February 7 after which it would be considered by a three-member inquiry committee that includes former Test captain Imtiaz Ahmed, director (operations) of PCB Abbas Zaidi and legal advisor Asghar Haider.

“The recommendations of the committee will be assessed by the disciplinary committee (headed by Justice Karamat Bhandari) which will give its final verdict. I will come into the picture if and when Shoaib appeals against the penalties, if any,” Shaharyar said.

Shaharyar said the other three charges pertained to issuing statements in the media, late arrival from Australia as he was told to report at the National Cricket Academy on January 23 and consulting a private trainer (Dr Tauseef Razzak) upon return instead of reporting to the PCB-hired South African trainer.

Informed sources said during the Friday meeting, Shaharyar had shown Shoaib a pack of complaints that the board had received from various quarters, including Pakistan High Commission in Canberra (Australia).

Journalists, who saw Shoaib after he emerged from the meeting with Shaharyar, said the fast bowler looked “red-faced, confused and under pressure”.

However, the beleaguered bowler received unexpected support from former Test fast bowler Sikander Bakht who toured India in 1979 with Asif Iqbal’s team.

“I think the board first needs to explain why it allowed Shoaib Akhtar to leave for Australia without signing the central contract,” said Bakht whose devastating bowling in the Bombay Test earned him many fans.

Bakht said he was surprised that Shoaib Akhtar was being pulled up now for giving statements in media. “Why was he not penalised or stopped when he was comparing himself to a Jumbo-Jet and Ferrari car?

“I also don’t agree that Shoaib should only consult a PCB recommended or appointed trainer. He should have the right for a second opinion. I think if Shoaib has once again shown immaturity, the PCB is not doing anything different.”