PCB comes hard on Shoaib Akhtar (24 Aug 1997)

24 August 1997

PCB comes hard on Shoaib Akhtar

Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Aug 23: Pacer Shoaib Akhtar is on the verge of joining the growing list of players who had the potential but couldn't represent Pakistan simply because they were ill-mannered and arrogant.

The PCB came hard on him when he was dropped from the Sahara Cup squad chiefly on the recommendation of manager, Justice Ijaz Yousuf. It was not immediately known what report the manager submitted to the cricket board, investigations reveal that Shoaib Akhtar was involved in gross indiscipline on the seven-week tour of England which concluded on Thursday.

Sources revealed that the most embarrassing incident happened after the one-day match against ECB XI near Birmingham when a taxi driver dropped Shoaib Akhtar. Akhtar was allegedly drunk and the taxi driver only recognised the pacer after watching him playing earlier in the day. Shoaib Akhtar, according to reports, was a frequent visitor to night clubs and pubs. In another incident, Shoaib Akhtar left the team when it arrived in London on Aug 18 afternoon to catch the flight back home.

Akhtar, after being absent without leave (AWOL) for two days, joined the team on the eve of the team's departure. Shoaib Akhtar was allegedly also involved in using foul language with team physiotherapist Eric Johnson. Sources said Akhtar abused Johnson because the latter was a PIA employee. It may be mentioned here that Shoaib Akhtar was sacked by PIA a couple of seasons back. Sources said Akhtar was settling personal scores with PIA by taunting Johnson. Shoaib Akhtar, according to sources, skipped various training sessions and was also fined in cash, at least, on four different occasions.

Source:: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)