Shoaib Akhtar, well known Pakistani fast bowler, who publicly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) allocation of central contracts and was thereafter banned for 18 months has challenged the term at a Lahore High Court.

Akhtar’s appeal would be heard today by Chief Justice Zahid Hussain, as told by Akhtar’s lawyer Abid Hassan Minto.

The ban which came into existence on 1 April 2008, would last till 30 September 2009. Initially the ban was for 5 years but PCB reduced the period to 18 months after a hearing earlier this month.

Prior to the ban's imposition, Shoaib had been serving a two-year probation for attacking team-mate Mohammad Asif.

The tribunal had temporarily lifted the ban to allow him to participate in the Indian Premier League, where he had a brief stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders.  

Minto admitted that Shoaib needed proper guidence. "He comes from a village (near Rawalpindi) and the family is lacking social background.

"The previous tribunal also opined that counsel service be provided to him. He should be taught about the culture and how to live in the society," Minto added.