Dope-tainted Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar was today dropped from
the Asian XI team for the Afro Asia Cricket Cup due to lack of fitness.
Asian Cricket Council selection committee member Mohsin Khan said
the express bowler was dropped as he had not recovered from his knee injury.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board does not want to take
a risk with his fitness as we are going to play some very crucial Test series
this season against South Africa, India and Australia,"
Mohsin said.
"I am disappointed that he cannot play because he is still not 100 percent
fit," he added.
The three-match Afro-Asia Cup is scheduled from June 6 to 10
in India.
Earlier, Shoaib was picked for the Asia XI after he declared
himself fit. The mercurial bowler has played just one Test and four one-dayers
since February last year due to fitness problems.
Shoaib, later, stated that he might not play in the series
due to family commitments but again did a volte face and made himself available.
The tearaway pacer said he changed his mind after speaking
to former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, who felt the series would be
a good opportunity to get back his fitness.
Meanwhile, Mohsin disclosed that selectors from India, Bangladesh
and Sri Lanka had opposed Shoaib's inclusion in the squad on fitness grounds.
A PCB official supported the decision and said it was
sensible to drop Shoaib instead of putting him in risk of another injury layoff.
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