PCB appeals tribunal lifts ban on Malik

Islamabad:

A Pakistan Cricket Board-appointed appeals judge on Saturday lifted the one-year ban on former captain Shoaib Malik, saying the all-rounder, accused of being a "negative influence" in the past, is a changed man now.

Former High Court judge Irfan Qadir's decision came at the National Cricket Academy where he held his hearing in which Malik was represented by his lawyer.

The judge also reduced a fine on Malik from Rs two million to Rs one million.

"The board's legal advisor has reported to me that after monitoring Malik in the last three months they feel he has improved his behavior and attitude," Qadir told reporters.

"I have decided to uphold his appeal and lift the ban as the purpose of disciplinary action against players was to make them rethink about their careers," he said.

Malik, who is in Dubai after his marriage to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, hailed the Qadir's decision, saying the ban was a slur on his career.