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.”

The 32-year-old bowler, who is no stranger to controversy, is expected to fly down to Kolkata tomorrow and undergo an informal fitness test while the home team camps here for the next few days ahead of their Thursday game.

Equally upbeat was Red Chillies official IS Bhandari. “We are glad and relieved that Shoaib is finally going to play. Shah Rukh is extremely happy as well over this development,” he told this daily.

Akhtar himself expressed satisfaction at being cleared. Speaking to the media, he said, “This is a great relief for me as I am keen to play in the IPL. But this is just one battle won and we still have to win the final case.”