Karachi, Apr 29 : Suspended Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar today publically appologised to the Pakistan Cricket Board tribunal at its first regular hearing of his appeal against a five year ban, saying that he brought a bad name to the board and the nation.

"I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for any grief and embarrassment I have caused by my actions and sayings to the nation, my team and the Pakistan Cricket Board," said the 32-year-old in a statement read out by his lawyer Abid Minto.

"I have resolved to alter my habits and to restrain from any such actions in future. I will submit to the authority of the board and accept its disciplinary action," Akhtar said in the statement.

He also thanked the country and his supporters for standing by him in his turbulent phase.

Former High Court Judge Aftab Farrukh, heading the three-man tribunal, said, "Akhtar's apology will be given due consideration ... and taken as a cause for leniency."

Akhtar was suspended earlier this month for repeated disciplinary violations and to criticize board policies when the new central contracts were announced in January.

Later, he filed his appeal with his lawyers saying that the ban was illegal and unconstitutional.

ANI