Shoaib Akhtar - End Of The Road? Options

[noorie]

Quite obviously, being convicted of ball tampering, taking performance enhancing drugs and being the thorn in the side of any decent soul who has ever tried to do any good for Pakistan cricket isn't enough. Shoaib Akhtar decided he needed to bash one of his team mates - with a bat, no less - to prove his point.

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The point is, nobody seems to quite understand what Akhtar's point actually was.

A typically Shoaib Akhtar-esque situation has resulted in more questions than answers. Why did the fight start? Who were the protagonists? Was Shahid Afridi the peacemaker, or was it Mohammad Asif? Which company sponsored the bat that Akthar used to strike Asif? Will the said company use Akhtar and that darned bat in an advertising campaign?

On a more serious note, we have been fed absolutely conflicting versions of the events that led to Pakistan's most potent immature fast bowler of the modern generation being sent home for the second time within 12 months from an ICC event. It seems clear that Akhtar has taken a few liberties with the truth in an attempt to weasel his way out of an extremely tight spot.

It's surprising that there hasn't been an unanimous call for a permanent ban to be handed down to Akhtar. Instead, some people are wondering whether this is the end of the road for the rogue paceman.

Your views?

[Nidhi]

It is difficult to comprehend how a sports team & the nation can tolerate such an individual for such a long time. Mr. Shoaib Akhtar should have been thrown out a long time back. Total lack of discipline, doping & now manhandling his team mate. This is apart from the numerous times he was hauled up for chucking. An individual who does not understand that he is an ambassador for his nation when he steps on the field. His approach to the game is a sore sight. Whatever his talents, such an ill mannered, ill tempered individual is more suitable in the bull ring, than on the cricket field. He is all brawns & no brains.

It's surprising that there hasn't been a unanimous call for a permanent ban to be handed down to Akhtar.

You missed Asif Iqbal's statement. Here it is

Hindustan Times
Press Trust Of India
Karachi, September 10, 2007
First Published: 12:55 IST(10/9/2007)
Last Updated: 13:16 IST(10/9/2007)
Asif Iqbal demands life ban for Shoaib Akhtar

Former captain Asif Iqbal demanded a life ban for the erratic speedster following the Johannesburg brawl that tarnished the country's image.

A furious Asif said Shoaib has done enough damage and should be permanently dumped with a life ban for hitting teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat in Johannesburg.

"The line has to be drawn somewhere and if it is not drawn here, the question has to be asked are we waiting till he commits mass murder?" a livid Asif wrote in his column for "The News".

Shoaib, part of Pakistan's Twenty20 World Cup squad, had a spat during the nets in Johannesburg during which he hit pace colleague Mohammad Asif with a bat that left the youngster with a bruised thigh.

The team management promptly sent Shoaib back and on his return, the temperamental pacer claimed he was provoked by Shahid Afridi and apologised for the episode. The PCB has formed a three-member panel to probe the issue.

Shoaib's word of apology, however, could not douse Asif's anger and the former captain advocated a "no mercy" policy while dealing the issue.

"This, of course, is not the first time that a Pakistani cricketer has disgraced himself, his team and his country by resorting to physical violence and unless very stern action is taken, it will not be the last either," he said.

Asif went on to add that this kind of incidents have ramifications that spill well over the boundary of cricket.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Pr...9a-91ecc4991571
© Copyright 2007 Hindustan Times

[Aurous]

Shoaib Akhtar should realise he's not going anywhere with his off-field antics and such erratic behaviour. Cricket is a gentleman's game and there's no room for indiscipline. PCB should, once & for all, take the harsh step of banning him. Such kind of misconduct cannot be tolerated.