Akram considers appealing against fine

Star Pakistani allrounder and former captain Wasim Akram said Tuesday he is considering an appeal against a fine for his alleged involvement in match-fixing.

"I received a show cause notice from Pakistan Cricket Board and will consult my lawyer Khawaja Tariq Rahim before appealing against the fine," Akram said.

The former captain was fined 300,000 rupees (about 5,000 dollars) and censured in the report on a match-fixing probe released in May.

Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum's report imposed a ban for life on Salim Malik and Ataur Rehman, while five senior players Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Saeed Anwar and Akram Raza were also fined.

Wasim said he was pleased to hear that a petition against all those mentioned in the report was dismissed in Sindh High court on Monday.

"I am happy and relieved, but it's sad that people try to get publicity by disturbing their national heroes," he said.

Local lawyer Qadir Khan Mandokhail, 36, filed a petition last month requesting the cricketers censured in Qayyum's report be jailed.

Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed dismissed the plea, and said "the petition is aimed at seeking personal publicity." He also imposed a fine of 10,000 rupees on the petitioner.

Censured cricketer, Akram, welcomed the verdict. "If two or three people get such treatment, then no one else will dare."

Akram was optimistic about Pakistan's chances in the forthcoming ICC tournament in Kenya.

"I am fit and will hopefully do my best in the coming season. We have a good team and will do well," he said.

Mail Cricket Editor