Akhtar’s counsel submitted that the LHC had already suspended a penalty imposed on him by the PCB, so the fine should be returned. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial of the Lahore High Court has fixed November 25 for arguments on a petition by Shoaib Akhtar seeking the return of a Rs7 million fine imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Akhtar’s counsel submitted that the LHC had already suspended a penalty imposed on him by the PCB, so the fine should be returned, or at least deposited with the court till his petition was decided. The PCB counsel said that it would return the money if the court set aside the sentence.
The chief justice, on a lighter note, commented that Rs7 million was no big amount for Shoaib Akhtar. He adjourned the case till November.
A PCB disciplinary committee had in October 2007 banned Akhtar for five years over several incidents of indiscipline in the midst of a two-year probation period imposed on him for hitting teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat. A PCB appellate tribunal, in June 2008, reduced the ban to 18 months, but also imposed a Rs7 million fine on him.
On July 4, the LHC suspended the ban and allowed Akhtar to represent the Pakistan cricket team again. At the time, the LHC ruled that the then 32-year-old should be allowed to play until his appeal was heard.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2013.
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@Zohair: Depends how they earned it.
I wouldn't like to pay a fine of Rs 10 if its unjustified. Corrupt politicians make billions but cant let go of free/subsidized samosa's from the parliament's cafeteria. Its a matter of principle
The chief justice, on a lighter note, commented that Rs7 million was no big amount for Shoaib Akhtar
Only someone with loads of money can play down the importance of such a huge sum, even if in jest.
PCB mishandled Shoaib's case under management of the useless Aijaz Butt. In retrospect, hitting someone like Asif who defamed the game and country is not an offence. The money should be returned.