After one month suspension of the five-year-ban slapped on Pakistani cricket star Shoaib Akhtar, now comes the news that he could be given a lighter punishment by the appellate tribunal that will begin hearing of his appeal on 4 June, as per sources. It was further informed by the source that the Pakistani cricket player very diligently made use of his contacts in the political sphere in order to get the PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf to pull out the 220 million rupees defamation suit filed against him.

 

It is now reported that Shoaib Akhtar is working towards getting the five-year-ban on him lessened.  The source explicitly stated that Salman Taseer, a tribunal member, has been appointed to the post of the Punjab Governor which is a stark signal that luck is on Shoaib Akhtar’s side. The source further added that Salman Taseer is a frequent at the parties and events organized by the Pakistani player and as such both are very well acquainted with one another.

 

The sources therefore underscored that Taseer’s elevation to a powerful position could prove to be of help to the fast bowler irrespective of the fact whether Salman Taseer remains on the tribunal or relinquishes the post to assume his new duty. Shoaib Akhtar, on the other hand, will be required to attend regular hearings of the appellate tribunal at home, but it is reported that this will be a mere formality before Akhtar is meted out a softer punishment by the tribunal.