Karachi, March 10 (IANS) Former cricketers Wednesday slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its 'harsh' action against several leading players and alleged it was only trying to 'save itself'.

The PCB banned former captains Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf for life Wednesday and took stern action against five more national cricketers for affecting the team's performance.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif claimed the PCB will be unable to implement the bans because the players will go to court and will also win.

'These bans will not stay for long and the players will win cases in court,' Latif told Geo Super.

'I don't understand why the board didn't take action earlier when there were so many problems in the team.'

'I feel the board is trying to save itself by taking these decisions,' he said adding that the life bans on Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan are unjustified.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, another former Pakistan captain, also threw his weight behind the national cricketers and advised them to go to court and challenge the decision.

'Players should go to court against the ban,' said Inzamam. 'Only players are not responsible for the performance, PCB is also responsible.'

Ramiz Raja, also a former Test captain, also criticised the PCB action.

'Life-time bans on players are harsh,' said Ramiz.