The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned its players including fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar [Images] against making public statements criticising board policies.

Akhtar has accused the board of double standards after he missed out on a new central contracts.

"If they have any problems they can talk to us. But if they speak publicly against our policies they will be disciplined," PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said.

Ashraf said the board had lost confidence in Akhtar, who was banned for 13 matches last year after a brawl with teammate Mohammad Asif [Images].