Shoaib launches suspension appeal

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Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has challenged his 18-month ban for indiscipline at a Lahore High Court, reports BBC.

The ban came after Shoaib, 32, publicly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) allocation of central contracts.

A PCB tribunal reduced the suspension from five years at a hearing earlier this month.

"We have filed the writ petition challenging the ban and hope the hearing will be done in the next couple of days," said his lawyer Abid Minto.

"We have termed the decision of the disciplinary committee and the tribunal illegal and my client wants to play for his country."

Shoaib's ban started on 1 April and will end on 30 September, 2009.