9.4.2008

There seems to be no end to Shoaib Akhtar's woes these days.

Now his former team-mates Inzamam-ul-Haq and Moin Khan are threatening to sue the banned Pakistan speedster over claims he was asked to under-perform in matches.

Akhtar allegedly told a television show that he was offered money to under-perform in some matches, and the names of Inzamam and Moin have been linked to the allegations.

Inzamam is fuming over the claims, and says he could sue the beleaguered fast bowler.

"We are waiting to see what happens. But myself and Moin are consulting and we will then decide to maybe sue him," Inzamam told a Pakistani television channel on Sunday.

"He has tried to drag us into this match-fixing issue. We will wait and see and then do something," the former Pakistan captain added.

Akhtar was banned for five years by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for criticising the board after being overlooked for a central contract, a ruling that took previous offences into account.

Inzamam feels that, given Shoaib's long record of misbehaviour, the PCB was completely justified in handing down such a heavy ban.

"What can I say about Shoaib? His whole career has been full of controversies," Inzy continued. "Those who have played with him know him well. He has got into one scrap after another.

"This ban was coming because of his repeated bad behaviour. Yes, five years is a bit harsh but the ban is totally justified.

"I think the Pakistan board should be supported for finally taking disciplinary action. But I think whatever he is saying has only got him into more trouble."

In the meantime, Akhtar's lawyers are yet to file an appeal against the Pakistan speedster's ban by the PCB.

The fast bowler's legal representatives will ask for the ban to be lifted "outright", although sources close to Shoaib suggest he could be willing to accept a decrease in the ban.

Courtesy - SNNI