PCB bans Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif

I was alseep when I got my brother's text message this afternoon. Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have been banned. As expected, Akhtar has been banned for two years, which is the prescribed timeline for a ban according to the WADA. However Asif, thankfully, has been banned only for a single year. I knew they would be banned, but atleast its official now. I think we can kiss our World Cup dreams goodbye... Our bowling attack is quite weak without them...but I am pleased that these two are getting what they deserve.

I sincerely hope the ICC respects this ruling. I am sure we will expect a statement from them really soon. As soon as Malcolm Speed is done bashing Modi and the BCCI, we can perhaps hear something more about how they expect to combat doping and perhaps set down official guidelines. More importantly I hope the other boards, players and fans find this ruling fair. I will ask my blogging colleagues their opinion about this over the next few days.

The PCB released their ruling this morning, Pakistan time. It is a massive press release, by any standards, and very well written. It consists of 39 points. Its definately interesting reading as Osman Samiuddin pointed out.

Point 16 is interesting. I am sure the more conservative amongst us will find just another few things to bash Shoaib about...I'm just waiting to read Dawn's letters this week.

A 31 year old gentleman, well oriented in time and space Shoaib Akhtar was born with two congenital deformities-Flat feet and hyper-extensive joints. Supreme athlete playing competitive international sport, Shoaib weighs 85 kgs and stands at 5 ft 11½ inches. His waist is 34, chest 44 and biceps 12½ inches.

Occasional smoker and a past history of infrequent alcohol consumption, with a penchant for western lifestyle, sexually active Shoaib has an unremarkable medical history. There is history of bronchial asthma (atopy). However his surgical/trauma history is quite remarkable.

Shoaib is a mentally tough individual having withstood enormous social pressures. At one time his career was at stake charged to have an illegal bowling action. He underwent extensive biomechanical diagnostic and rehabilitation session in Australia and returned to bowl himself to peak.

That he drinks, smokes, and enjoys female company is no one else's business but his own, but its amusing that this was presented to the panel. Don't quite see how it helps. I also like how he calls himself a 'supreme athlete' who is 'mentally tough' in his own statement. It's nice to see that even in the most dire of times, Shoaib Akhtar still displays the same arrogance we all love and hate him for.

Do I feel bad for him? I guess I do. I like Shoaib Akhtar. I like the fact that he's Pakistani, and the envy of other nations and therefore I can be proud of him. I have always loved watching the dozens of youtube videos of him screaming down the pitch and bowling batsman. That's inspirational stuff and always gets the hair crawling at the back of my neck. We must remember him for what he gave us and not for who he is. He's arrogant, proud, got success too fast, aggressive, indisciplined and cricket's modern day prima donna. Yet it was us, the public, that pushed him into the limelight and moulded him into what he is today.

Undoubtedly he has disappointed the nation and a 2 year ban is the ultimate punishment for his misjudgment. I am sure no one feels this more than he does, and I hope Pakistanis remember Shoaib as our flag bearer, continuing the legacy of the country's flamboyant fast bowlers. The punishment has been decreed, Shoaib will serve his ban out, and thats where the story must end. After a two year ban, its hard to see him making a comeback. Cricket is going to be that much duller without Shoaib Akhtar.