Islamabad, Oct 18: Pakistan Cricket Board today filed an appeal with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against a ban from one test and two limited overs internationals ban on Shoaib Akhtar for hurling abusive language at in the on-going first cricket test against South Africa in Lahore. "The appeal has been filed because we believe we have a strong case," PCB spokesperson Haroon Rasheed said in a brief statement. "We are disappointed with the decision and surprised that the incident has been blown out of proportion," the PCB statement read. Akhtar was found guilty by the match referee Clive Lloyd of using language that was obscene, offensive or a generally insulting nature to another player in a hearing held Friday evening.

Earlier, South Africa had filed a protest to the match referee alleging that Akhtar had made objectionable remarks at Paul Adams on the first day.
"The appeal has been submitted with video footages. I think there have been more serious offences in this series that have gone unnoticed," Rasheed said.

Rasheed has also filed a three-page appeal to the ICC. "It is a very argumentative and balanced letter," PCB sources said on the condition of anonymity.

Bureau Report