 Akhtar's ban was increased because of a previous misdemenour |
Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has lost his appeal against a three-match ban. The ban, for using abusive language in the first Test against South Africa, was upheld on Wednesday.
The appeal was conducted by Australian broadcaster and former cricketer Richie Benaud.
It means Shoaib will miss Friday's second Test against South Africa in Faisalabad.
He has been banned for one Test and two one-day internationals.
Shoaib was found guilty of breaking the ICC code of conduct after arguing with tailender Paul Adams.
Benaud said: "My view is that the sentence imposed by Mr Lloyd is correct and, accordingly, the appeal is dismissed." Shoaib's penalty was effectively doubled because it was his second offence within 12 months.
He was in hot water last December for making an obscene gesture to the crowd in Zimbabwe.
The ban is the third handed out to players in this series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said it accepted Benaud's decision.
MMIX
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Does anybody else think it's unfair that Shoaib Akhtar got a three match ban?
