Shoaib Akhtar banned for 5 years

The five-year ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might affect Shoaib Akhtar's Indian Premier League (IPL) participation. The bowler might not play in the multi-million dollar Twenty20 series.
"It is extremely clear in our player policy that the respective player will have to get an NOC from his home country for joining the league. The home country can either issue or deny the NOC." IPL Chairman Lalit Modi said.

Akhtar was handed a five-year ban for repeated indiscipline.

Akhtar has been signed by Shah Rukh Khan's franchisee team Kolkata Knight Riders for a sum of USD 4.25 lakh. The first season of IPL begins on April 18. Shahrukh will appeal to PCB to lift the ban.

Shahrukh Khan says that Whatever might be the case, Shoaib will remain a part of the original Kolkata Knight Riders Team.