KARACHI (Reuters)
Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, a question-mark already hanging over his career, is in trouble again after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said he was facing disciplinary action over his onfield behaviour.

PCB spokesman Khalid Butt told Reuters that they were investigating reports of misconduct by Shoaib during the Sharjah Champions Trophy final earlier this month. The quick bowler was involved in a clash with Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene during the game, won by Pakistan by five wickets. Shoaib and Jayawardene exchanged words after the batsman hit his first ball for a six. When Shoaib then dismissed Jayawardene Wasim Akram had to step in to defuse the situation. "The case has been referred to the disciplinary committee which plans to hold a hearing early next week," Butt said. "The Board wants to find out if Shoaib breached the acceptable limits of aggression during the match in view of the numerous reports appearing in the media on the incident." The 26-year-old Shoaib, rated as one of the world's fastest bowlers, is already under a cloud after being reported for a suspect action twice this year. A repeat in the next few months could see him facing a 12-month ban. Last year he was fined and suspended for one match by the PCB for staying out late during the tour of Australia.

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