Shoaib Malik's one-year ban lifted

A PCB appeals tribunal today lifted the one-year ban imposed on former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, clearing the decks for his return to international cricket.

Former High Court judge Irfan Qadir's decision came at the National Cricket Academy where he held his hearing in which Malik was represented by his lawyer.

The one-man tribunal comprising retired judge Irfan Qadir also halved the Rs two million fine imposed on Malik by an inquiry committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board, PCB lawyer Talib Rizvi said.

"The board's legal advisor has reported to me that after monitoring Malik in the last three months they feel he has improved his behavior and attitude," Qadir told reporters.

"I have decided to uphold his appeal and lift the ban as the purpose of disciplinary action against players was to make them rethink about their careers," he said.

Malik, who is in Dubai after his marriage to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, hailed the Qadir's decision, saying the ban was a slur on his career.

"The purpose of my appealing to the board was to clear this stigma against my name. The ban was a stigma for me and my family," Malik told 'Geo News'.

Shoaib Malik is already in the list of probables for Asia Cup but sources say Shahid Afridi is not keen to have him back as he fears Malik would create disharmony in the side.

Malik emerged as the main villain during the probe by the Pakistan Cricket Board inquiry into the troubled Australian tour with former coach, Intikhab Alam, Afridi, Younis, Yousuf and others blaming him for spoiling the team atmosphere.

Former manager Abdul Raquib, Intikhab and Yousuf openly blamed him for creating disharmony in the team.

During the inquiry committee hearings, the team officials also confirmed that they wanted to send Malik back from New Zealand but the then skipper Yousuf let him stay as the team needed his experience.

Malik, who recently got married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, was earlier banned for 12-months and fined Rs two million by the inquiry committee but he has appealed against the punishment.

In his defence, Malik has said that he had no cause to create disharmony in the team as he was no longer interested in the captaincy and only wanted to play.

Earlier, in a volte face, the PCB also claimed that former skippers Muhammad Yousuf and Younus Khan were never banned and can be brought back to the side anytime.