It is fast turning into a script that even Shah Rukh Khan might now want to make a movie on. The spurt of twists and tales involving Shoaib Akhtar — his clash with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ban, appeal and now his subsequent release — all perfectly blend with one of SRK’s famous dialogues from his recent movie: ‘Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost’.

Just when Kolkata Knight Riders’ exhilarating start to the IPL was beginning to waver, courtesy four consecutive defeats, comes the startling piece of news that the maverick Akhtar will join his troubled team ahead of Thursday’s clash with Bangalore’s Royal Challengers. The match will be played at Eden Gardens and undoubtedly the team — embarrassed by reports of infighting and other controversies — will have a reason to rejoice.

Shah Rukh-owned Red Chillies Entertainment Ltd, owners of the Kolkata franchise, had shelled out $4,25,000 for Akhtar during the auction but the player — banned early last month by PCB for five years following a spat — was unavailable. The appeal tribunal set up in Lahore hearing Akhtar’s case has now suspended the ban for a month, effectively clearing the fast bowler to take part in the tournament scheduled to end on June 1.

Speaking to The Indian Express, senior BCCI official IS Bindra welcomed the development, saying: “He is cleared to play in the IPL. We just need to find out now how soon he can join the Kolkata team. Personally, I think the happiest will be those in the Knight Riders camp, since they desperately need to get back to winning ways in this tournament.”

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