KARACHI, May 16: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf on Friday formally withdrew the 220 million rupee defamation suit which he filed against maverick pacer Shoaib Akhtar from a civil court in Lahore.

Dr Ashraf’s lawyer Tafazzul Rizvi, however, told reporters that the suit could be refiled in future if the need arises. “As of now this suit is withdrawn because Shoaib Akhtar has publicly apologised and said sorry

to the chairman whose honour stands vindicated now,”

Rizvi said.

The PCB chief filed the defamation suit after the fast bowler alleged on a television show that the PCB chief had asked for money from a number of players, including him, for allowing them to play in inaugural Indian Premier League.

Shoaib, who was handed a five year ban by the disciplinary committee of the board, later retracted all his allegations and apologised for reacting irresponsibly and causing hurt and anguish to Dr Ashraf.

The PCB chief had then decided to withdraw the suit saying that he felt vindicated by the apology of the fast bowler. Justice (retd.) Aftab Farrukh, who is heading the tribunal that is hearing Akhtar’s appeal on the five-year ban, denied any connection between the dropping of the lawsuit and the decision on the appeal.

“This is totally independent matter from the appeal we are hearing in the tribunal. The withdrawal of the suit has no bearing on the appeal we have to decide on,” said Justice Aftab.—Agencies