The ruling comes just a day after Shoaib apologised to PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf, who had threatened the paceman with legal action for claiming in an interview that the ban was punishment for not sharing projected Indian Premier League earnings with Ashraf.

In a statement, the PCB made it clear the ban did not apply to cricket played overseas - in theory freeing up Shoaib to play in the Indian Premier League.

"We for the time being are of the view that Shoaib can play anywhere outside Pakistan," the statement read. "It was not our intention to him restrain him on that level.

"Shoaib can also play in the IPL. He however cannot play for Pakistan internationally or nationally."

The prospects for Shoaib playing in the IPL remain bleak, however, with the league themselves barring the paceman from taking part.

Shoaib was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders in February's auction for $425,000.