Karachi, Apr 28: The head of the tribunal that will hear Shoaib Akhtar`s appeal against a five-year ban imposed on him for disciplinary violations says a final decision on the matter could be out this week.

The appellate tribunal begins its proceedings today and justice (Retd) Aftab Farrukh, who heads the panel, told reporters that it wouldn`t take too long to decide on the matter.

"Speaking from my experience as a lawyer and judge since 1962 and on the basis of the details of this case, I think the tribunal can give a decision this week depending on how long the defense lawyers and those representing the board take to wind up their arguments," he said.

Farrukh also said he had no objections to part of the proceedings being shown on camera if the two other members of the tribunal and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreed.

"...If my colleagues on the tribunal and the board have no objection it can be done," he said.

Farrukh said the defense lawyers should take a maximum of two days to wind up their arguments while same number of days would be taken by the board lawyers.

"The tribunal requires two or three days to reach a final decision. But now the hearing would be held regularly and properly since the defense lawyers have now been provided all the relevant documents of the case and have also filed a supplementary appeal with the tribunal," he said.

Shoaib was banned for five years earlier this month by the PCB for several disciplinary violations.

Shoaib filed an appeal against the ban, describing it unjust and a vindictive action on part of the board.

Farrukh said he would give a detailed judgments so that he does not have to answer too many queries at the end of the appeal hearing.