KARACHI, Dec 31: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s failure to submit proofs about Shoaib Akhtar’s disciplinary transgressions at the Lahore High Court has left the PCB lawyer surprised.

The court had directed the PCB in October to submit documents and video evidence that would confirm the number of times Shoaib had violated discipline and has been penalised or warned to improve his behavior.

The court had passed the directives while hearing a writ petition by Shoaib, who has appealed against the 18-month ban and the Rs seven million fine imposed on him by an appellate tribunal of the board.

“No, the case has not moved forward as yet as the board is yet to give the required material asked by the court,” PCB legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi said on Wednesday.

He said until the material was provided by the PCB, the court could not continue hearing the case and Shoaib was free to represent Pakistan.

“The court has suspended the 18-month ban imposed on him by the appellate tribunal while we have asked for a clear directive on recovering the fine from him from the court. So until a further hearing is held he can continue to play for Pakistan and domestic cricket,” Rizvi said.

Asked as to why the board had delayed submitting the required material asked by the court, Rizvi said he himself was surprised by the delay.

Shoaib’s lawyer, Abid Hasan Minto has challenged the PCB’s claim that the fast bowler has a history of indiscipline and has violated the players code of conduct despite several warnings by the board.

—Agencies