Shoaib apologizes over gestures

Temperamental fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar Wednesday apologized to his fans over his conduct in the Sharjah Cup final against Sri Lanka which is to be investigated by the PCB disciplinary committee.

"I am extremely sorry and apologetic over whatever happened that Sunday. It all happened in the heat of the moment but I can now only regret," the express fast bowler said from Rawalpindi.

Shoaib is set to appear before the Pakistan Cricket Board disciplinary committee Monday. However, initial indications were that the bowler would be left off with a reprimand.

A committee member, on the condition of anonymity, argued that if the match referee (Denis Lindsay) didn't penalize Shoaib, they didn't have a solid case to impose fine.

"Shoaib's gestures must have been within the laws of the game otherwise he would have been pulled up by the match referee."

Lindsay didn't take notice of the on-the-field incident but left Shoaib's career in jeopardy when he raised unsubstantiated "concerns" against his bowling action.

Shoaib, who was also fined Rs 50,000 and suspended from a one-day international in March last year, admitted he failed to control his emotions. "Looking back at things, I realize that I should have acted more professionally and maturely. "I couldn't control my emotions and got carried away by the atmosphere which was very charged," Shoaib said.

Shoaib passed on remarks and showed gestures to Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardena after getting him caught behind. A ball earlier, the Sri Lankan had struck Shoaib for a boundary. The batsman had also welcomed Shoaib with a firstball six over long-leg.

"From Dennis Lillee to Brett Lee, all fast bowlers do different things to upset the batsman. It's very natural. "When one takes a prized scalp, he celebrates and can deliver some unkind words," Shoaib said.