Akhtar's ban was increased because of a previous misdemenour

The pace bowler was found guilty of breaking the ICC code of conduct after a spat with tailender Paul Adams.

Match referee Clive Lloyd found Akhtar guilty of using language that was obscene, offensive or insulting.

Pakistan have lodged an appeal and spokesman Samiul Hasan described it as "a non-issue made into an issue".

He said: "It came as a surprise that the South Africans complained."

Akhtar's penalty was effectively doubled because this was his second offense within 12 months.

He was in hot water last December for making an obscene gesture to the crowd in Zimbabwe.

And unless the appeal is upheld, he will miss the second Test and the first two one-day internationals against New Zealand.

Read more: Hall's Test ban upheld

The ban is the third handed out to players in this series.

Andrew Hall received a two-Test ban for elbowing batsman Yousuf Yohana in a one-day match.

And captain Graeme Smith was ruled out of a one-day international for his part in the argument that followed.

The punishments were meted out following a toughening of the code of conduct in June.

"This incident was unnecessary and unacceptable," said former West Indies captain Lloyd.

Does anybody else think it's unfair that Shoaib Akhtar got a three match ban? From Salma Iqbal Have your say on TMS

"I have been very disappointed in the behaviour of both teams during this series.

"And I would urge the coaches, captains and managers to get their players together and remind them of the importance of playing in a professional manner."

"Cricket is a noble game based on honesty, integrity and fair play and if the players cannot comprehend this they should not be playing the game."

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed added: "In light of the number of incidents that have been reported in this series I hope both sides will take heed of Clive's words."