London: Former Australia captain Richie Benaud will hear Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s appeal against his one-Test and two ODI ban for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, even as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ was ruled out for three weeks after straining a hamstring during the first Test against South Africa in Lahore Monday.

Benaud, now an esteemed broadcaster and Cricket Australia’s nominated member of the ICC’s Code of Conduct Commission, has been appointed as appeals commissioner for Shoaib’s case by ICC’s legal counsel, Urvasi Naidoo.

Shoaib was banned for using foul language against South African tail-ender Paul Adams during the first day of the first Test in Lahore last Friday. If the ban is upheld, Shoaib will miss the second Test against South Africa in Faisalabad starting from October 24 and the first two games of a five-match home one-day series against New Zealand next month.

Meanwhile, in Lahore Shoaib has been cautioned his recovery period could be longer. “Doctors have said he is out for three weeks, but it could be longer,” PCB spokesman Samiul Hasan said.

Shoaib, however, put on a smiling face on Monday, saying his contribution to Pakistan’s possible win in the first Test was achieved with his four-wicket burst. “I am happy that I have contributed to the team’s position, whether Mohammed Sami takes more wickets or Danish Kaneria takes the bulk, I want my contribution in the win,” said Shoaib.