Well, you knew that the IPL would turn into a soap opera so soon. After flip-flopping for a few days, the BCCI decided that Akhtar would not be able to play in the IPL unless his masters at the Pakistan Cricket Board give him a “no-objection” certificate. That’s the official story, anyway. But something doesn’t seem right.
For starters, the PCB had explicitly said that the ban applies only to him playing for Pakistan in international cricket. Then why is the BCCI making a big deal about the no-objection certificate? But then, the BCCI has not cancelled his contract at all, but just said he can’t play. I don’t think that has any legal standing. Then there’s another issue. The ICC is running a separate investigation of its own about the bribery and match-fixing allegations made by Shoaib. And then the PCB is actually suing Akhtar for Rs 20 Crores!
Something is fishy. Why do I get the feeling that it is going to get very very ugly if he doesn’t get to play in the IPL. But it may not come to it. Akhtar is appealing the PCB’s decision today and we can hope to hear what happens within this week.
For starters, the PCB had explicitly said that the ban applies only to him playing for Pakistan in international cricket. Then why is the BCCI making a big deal about the no-objection certificate? But then, the BCCI has not cancelled his contract at all, but just said he can’t play. I don’t think that has any legal standing. Then there’s another issue. The ICC is running a separate investigation of its own about the bribery and match-fixing allegations made by Shoaib. And then the PCB is actually suing Akhtar for Rs 20 Crores!
Something is fishy. Why do I get the feeling that it is going to get very very ugly if he doesn’t get to play in the IPL. But it may not come to it. Akhtar is appealing the PCB’s decision today and we can hope to hear what happens within this week.
