Shoaib Akhtar, the world's fastest bowler, has promised to fight a five-year ban that could effectively end his international career.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) handed Akhtar the ban today for repeated disciplinary problems, claiming that the outspoken 32-year-old had become a negative presence within the national team set-up.

Akhtar, already on two years' probation for hitting a team-mate with a bat, was charged with violating the PCB's code of conduct having criticised the board over his contractual status.

"I am deeply disappointed and hurt. I will go to court and fight against the ban," Akhtar said. "I was demoted from central contract 'A' category, which was very hurtful and as a reaction I said something.

"I have apologised to the PCB, before the disciplinary committee and before everyone. So, I thought that they would take a lenient action, but this harsh decision has effectively ended my career. I still want to play for my country."

Akhtar refuted the claim of Nasmi Ashraf, the PCB chairman, that he has an adverse impact on the national team and on the image of Pakistan cricket. "Ask the captain [Shoaib Malik], ask coach Geoff Lawson and they would vouch for me. I had played with high fever on the India tour [last year], which proved my commitment for the team," Akhtar said. "I bowl fast so I am prone to injuries, but I have given my heart, soul and body to this team. I know some vested interest did not want me to be the part of the team, but I will be back."

The ban also prevents the 32-year-old from playing domestic cricket in Pakistan, though it will not affect his participation in the lucrative Indian Cricket League this summer.

Once among the most feared bowers in cricket, Akhtar made his international debut 11 years ago and set the record for the world's fastest delivery when he clocked 100.2mph against Nick Knight, of England, in 2003.

He was limited to only 46 Test matches by a succession of injuries and last played for Pakistan in the final Test against India in December when he broke down with back trouble.

"The board has lost confidence in Shoaib Akhtar and therefore felt that his presence in the field was damaging to the Pakistan team, for Pakistan players and for the image of Pakistan cricket," Ashraf said. He added that it was a "sad day for me and for Shoaib Akhtar. He is such a talented player."

Akhtar upset the PSB by claimimg that it demonstrated double standards on awarding central contracts in January, only three months after he had been fined £26,000 and banned for 13 matches for hitting Mohammad Asif with a bat. He had been dropped from Pakistan's list of 15 contracted players after another year of being plagued by injuries and discipline problems and was offered a special retainer deal instead, which he refused to sign.

Danish Kaneria also appeared before the PCB today and was severely reprimanded for using an online column to question his demotion from category "B" to "C" in the central contract system. The spinner insisted his thoughts were published out of context. Ashraf said: "Since this was Kaneria's first offence on discipline, he has been severely reprimanded and barred from issuing any press statements."