PTI

Karachi, Feb 12: Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria have been given a week's time to explain statements they have given in the press against the Pakistan Cricket Board policies.

The two were issued notice letters on Monday by the board after they criticised the PCB policies over the new central contracts given to 15 players last month.

"The letters have been issued by the director, cricket operations, and they have been given a week's time to confirm their positions. If they reply in the affirmative, further action would be taken accordingly," a board official said.

Akhtar, who has taken 178 Test and 219 One-day wickets, and Kaneria, with 220 wickets in 51 Tests, gave statements recently which clearly have upset board officials.

Kaneria, only the second Hindu player to play Tests for Pakistan, expressed his frustration and hurt at being demoted in the new central contracts and bracketed alongside junior players.

Akhtar, who has not been given a central contract, was more vocal and accused the board of having double standards and a dual policy in awarding new contracts.

The controversial fast bowler was upset at the categorisation of team-mate Mohammad Asif in category A in the new list, although he has also largely remained unfit since last year.

The board official said if the players accepted their statements, the PCB would send their cases to the disciplinary committee.

"We have given them a chance to explain themselves. I would not describe the letters as show cause notices," he said.