Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq on Thursday justified the five-year ban imposed on Shoaib Akhtar, saying the controversial fast bowler had been asking for trouble for quite some time now, reports PTI.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board seems to have taken the decision after careful thought. I don’t think they have hurried into making this decision,” Inzamam, who is leading Lahore Badshahs in the Indian Cricket League, said. Inzamam justified the action by the PCB, though he pointed out that it was a bit “too harsh”.

He, however, said the way Akhtar had been behaving for the past some years the (ban) was the natural outcome. Inzamam’s former teammate in the Pakistan team Mushtaq Ahmed also felt that Akhtar had been courting trouble for a long time.

“He (Akhtar) should have disciplined himself and behaved in a more responsible manner,” Mushtaq, who is also playing for Lahore Badshahs, said.

Inzamam had a word of advice for beleaguered Akhtar that appealing against the ban was alright, but he should avoid venting his anger through the media. “Shoaib should know that by hitting back (at PCB) through media is not going to help him.

He should exercise more restraint. Players should have more discipline and conduct themselves in a dignified manner,” Inzaman said. All-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who is also playing in the ICL, felt the ban on Akhtar was “very harsh”.

“Banning Shoaib is a big jolt to the Pakistani cricket and this should be reviewed. Players should not be punished like that,” he opined.

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