Lahore, Feb 21: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf has said that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is not interested in playing for Pakistan and that is why he has signed a contract with the Indian Premier League (IPL) without the permission of the board.
“The board’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) was only for those players who preferred playing for Pakistan,” Ashraf said.
“When the PCB issues an NOC to any player it means the player is bound to play for the national team whenever required,” Ashraf added.
He further said that since Akhtar did not ask for the NOC and joined the IPL on his own, this clearly suggests that he has no intentions of playing for the national side.
“The board had received an apology from Akhtar,” the Daily Times quoted Ashraf as saying.
“But his case is not closed. He has breached the code of conduct. We will refer his case to the PCB disciplinary committee,” he added. (ANI)

Rio de Janeiro, May 23 (IANS) Mention Botafogo to most young Brazilian football fans and the likelihood is the word will conjure images of a battling club with a small, if passionate, supporter base and a sparse trophy cabinet.
Madrid, May 23 - Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed he will leave the Spanish football club at the end of the current season.
Kolkata, May 23 (IANS) Notwithstanding serious doubts over injured Sachin Tendulkar's availability, Mumbai Indians would look to exorcise their Indian Premier League
New Delhi, May 22 : Scandal-hit Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Eliminator here at the Ferozeshah Kotla Wednesday to enter Qualifier 2.
Mumbai, May 15 : India's only motorcycle Grand Prix team resumes battle in France this weekend with high hopes of strong results after a top-10 start for the all-new Mahindra Grand Prix machine.
Dijon-Prenois (France), May 13 : Indian racing driver Sailesh Bolisetti's second weekend of his 2013 Euro Race Car campaign ended on a disappointing note as he finished 18th and 17th in the two races here.