December 20, 2007	Thursday	Zilhaj 9, 1428

LAHORE, Dec 19: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) next governing body meeting will now be held in Karachi on Jan 19.

After the Nov 9 inaugural meeting at Lahore, the next, which was planned initially for Jan 9 was moved ahead to Jan 15 due to Pakistan’s general elections on Jan 8.

“Some members requested to change the date again from Jan 15 due to their other pressing assignments,” said a PCB official, while stating the reason behind the second change.

The meeting, an important one, is being held to discuss various issues regarding the financial and administrative affairs of the PCB under the light of the presentations given to them by the directors of the board.

PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf will also be presenting a detailed report on the Pakistan team’s performance in India at this meeting.

In his report, the chairman is likely to highlight the attitude of paceman Shoaib Akhtar during the tour.

Shoaib, whose attitude on and off the field has continuously been criticised in the media, is already under scrutiny after his 13-match ban along with a Rs3.4 million fine. He has been charged with different offences, such as hitting fellow fast-bowler Mohammad Asif with a cricket bat in South Africa before the first Twenty20 World Championship.

Besides the punishment, the PCB, had also warned Shoaib that in case of any further acts of indiscipline in the next two years, he could also be banned for life.

But sources informed Dawn that in case of any more severe punishments, Shoaib could switch to the controversial ICL where he will also be free to sign more Indian films. But it is not easy for the PCB to oust Shoaib just like that. He is an important member of the team in the forthcoming home series against Australia.