Akhtar, Kaneria in trouble after criticising PCB

Lahore, Feb 12 (UNI) Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who have publicly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), have been asked to explain their behaviour by the governing body.

The pair had expressed their displeasure at their new contracts with the PCB. Kaneria was particularly unhappy about being demoted to Group C, which includes relatively inexperienced players.

Shoaib, who has a conditional contract, has also lambasted the board for questioning his fitness during the tour of India last year.

''The PCB has issued letters to Shoaib and Kaneria, seeking their explanation on their recently published article/statement in the media,'' a PCB spokesman was quoted as saying by 'The Dawn'. ''In these letters, the players have been asked to confirm these statements, which criticise the PCB and its policies and in case of affirmation, explain their position.'' ''A one-week time frame has been given to them for responding to the same.'' If charges are levelled against them by the PCB, the duo may be be excluded from the squad which will take on Australia during the home series starting next month.

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