Shoaib given five-year suspension

Shoaib was the fastest bowler in the world in his heyday

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been banned for five years by the Pakistan Cricket Board following a disciplinary hearing in Rawalpindi.

The 32-year-old, who was on a two-year probation for attacking team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat, was charged with publicly criticising the PCB.

"We felt his presence damaged Pakistan cricket's image," the PCB said.

The ban covers domestic matches in Pakistan but not the big-money Twenty20 Indian Premier League.