August 09, 2007	Thursday	Rajab 24, 1428

LAHORE, Aug 8: Pakistan’s controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar again came into spotlight for all the wrong reasons after he was fined Rs300,000 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday for successive acts of indiscipline during the recent cricket camp in Karachi.

Besides the fine, the pacer was also docked 1.5 points from a total of 20 to be awarded by the board through the year over discipline as per the new central contract.

“Shoaib Akhtar has been penalised because he missed the training camp in Karachi on Aug 4 without the permission of manager Talat Ali Malik and the team doctor,” said the PCB Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi while addressing a press conference.

“For Shoaib's act of not attending the camp, he could be penalised for Rs100,000. But since he did not appear before the PCB on Tuesday to defend his case, another fine of Rs200,000 has now been imposed,” he added.

“Also, Shoaib has lost 0.5 points for his first act and one point for his second violation. He now has 18.5 points in the remaining period of the year according to the central contract which is effective from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008,” said Naghmi.

He further explained that the penalties were announced according to the central contract clause 16 which relates to breach of code of conduct.

“Shoaib has the right to appeal against the verdict within the next 15 days but we will not tolerate indiscipline at any cost.”

Shoaib, who was named on Tuesday in the Pakistan squad for the Twenty20 World Championship, also broke a dressing room mirror at the National Stadium last week in an outburst that followed a wayward spell of three overs which cost him 41 runs.

The PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, while endorsing the action against Shoaib, said it would convey a strong message to other players that the board will not compromise on discipline at all.

“The punishment is according to the rules set in the central contract. However, Shoaib will be given a chance to lodge an appeal against the penalty,” said the PCB chief.

“No player is above the law and no one should test the board on matters of discipline and fitness.”