KARACHI (Reuters) - The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) appeals committee decided yesterday to suspend the fine and penalty imposed on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar last week.

The PCB had fined Akhtar $10,610 and docked him 1.5 points from the total of 20 available to players for discipline in their central contracts after he left a training camp in Karachi this month without informing the team's management.

In his appeal, Akhtar said he had told captain Shoaib Malik he was leaving camp because of a stiff neck.

"The two-man committee heard the board officials and Shoaib's stance and feel he needs to be given more chance to plead his case," committee member Mueen Afzal told Reuters.