Shoaib cleared for IPL duty

Shoaib Akhtar © Getty Images

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Shoaib Akhtar is free to play in the Indian Premier League after his five-year ban - imposed only last week - was suspended for one month by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

A PCB appeals panel opted to suspend the fast bowler's ban, which bars him from all cricket in or for Pakistan, until June 3.

PCB spokesman Amir Bilal said: "The PCB has always shown a flexible view to Shoaib Akhtar.

"We said it at the outset that we have nothing personal against him. Whatever happened has been done as per rules and regulations.

"It is because of the chairman of PCB that he was not given a life ban and just given five years.

"So it was the tribunal itself which opted to give him a one month suspension so he can play in the IPL.

“If the IPL gives him permission to play we have no problem.”

Shoaib's ban, which he received in April for breaching the players' code of conduct, had been upheld only last Wednesday by a three-man appeal hearing in Lahore.

The 32-year-old was signed by IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders for US$425,000, but it looked doubtful he would be able to feature in the tournament as a player must be eligible to represent his country to take part in the league.

But this suspension frees up Shoaib to feature in the remainder of the tournament, which runs until June 1.

IPL chairman Lalit Modi said: "I welcome Shoaib to participate in the IPL.

"Shoaib is a great asset to cricket and will be so for his team the Kolkota Knight riders.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he sounded hopeful of the ban being lifted. He will be in India as soon as he can. He has a great following and people love him.

"It is up to the team management to assess his fitness or when and where he can play. My job is to clear him to play, that we have done. The team will decided on the cricketing matters."