NDTV

Lahore, Nov 4: Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Akhtar are likely to appeal against the PCB's decision to impose a ban on them within seven days.

But unfortunately for the two of them, most former cricketers, the fans and the media are not too sympathetic.

While the newspapers in Pakistan have lauded the manner in which the its Board has handled the whole doping fiasco, the fans are also expressing their disappointment at being let down by two of the nation's biggest sporting icons.

"This is a right decision. It was not only the concern of fans but also the people. They (Shoaib and Asif) have brought a bad name to the country. They deserved a more stern punitive action," said Fayyaz Ahmed, a cricket fan.

"If the tribunal has found them guilty, I think they are justified in banning them and it will be a lesson for others because as professional cricketers when there are dos and don'ts, they have to follow it," said an elderly cricket fan.

Disappointing case

But there is, however, a sense of disappointment among the ex-players and the cricket-loving faithful, who believe that their bans will hinder Pakistan's chances of claiming the biggest prize of them all, next year's World Cup in the West Indies.

"For me the more disappointing case is that of Mohd Asif. He has a bright future ahead, but his confidence has been badly shaken. A full year's ban means he can't play domestic cricket, though he is quite a determined lad. So what the PCB should do is to look after him, especially," said Ijaz Ahmed, Former Pakistani Captain.

"They should have given him (Shoaib) time before the hearing. He should have been given the option of getting more legal advisors. It was a hasty decision to ban him for two years just like that," said Dr Tauseef Razzak, Shoaib's doctor.

Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Akhtar will appeal against the PCB's decision to impose a ban on the two players, within seven days.

But sources close to Akhtar have told NDTV that the defiant Rawalpindi Express has vowed to clear his name of doping charges, even if it means selling all his property to meet legal expenses.

The source told NDTV that Akhtar is considering resigning or retiring from cricket altogether.