Print

Mail

wiki links

Pakistan recall 'bad boy' Akhtar for series in India

Controversial paceman Shoaib Akhtar earned a recall for next month's five-match one-day series in India after ending a lengthy ban, Pakistan's chief selector announced on Friday.

"We have chosen a 16-man squad which will be led by Shoaib Malik and Akhtar is included in the squad after he proved his fitness and completed his ban," Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters.

The paceman was banned for 13 international matches and fined 3.4 million rupees (US$56,000) for breaches of code of conduct, primarily for hitting teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat.

He struck fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif on the thigh after a team practice in Johannesburg ahead of the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup last month.

"We know that Akhtar, if fit and in form, is an asset for the team and we hope that he does well in the series against India," said Ahmed of the paceman.

Akhtar will complete the ban and is set to play in the last one-dayer against South Africa in Lahore tomorrow -- his first match for Pakistan since playing in the Port Elizabeth Test in January.

He played the last of his 133 one-day internationals against England in September last year. He has also played 43 Tests.

The maverick 32-year-old was also involved in a doping scandal last year. He and Asif tested positive for banned steroid nandrolone and were expelled from Pakistan's Champions Trophy.

Akhtar was banned for two years and Asif for one year. However, the bans were lifted on appeal.
This story has been viewed 656 times.