Shoaib will have to prove fitness for selection, says coach

LAHORE - Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has warned fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar he will have to prove his fitness ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in England or face being dropped. The controversial bowler missed Pakistan's training camp in Bhurban due to a mystery disease, and now faces the axe if he can't prove his fitness in practice matches later this week. "Shoaib will have to play in the practice games otherwise there could be problems for him," Alam said. Akhtar is said to have infuriated members of the PCB after he consulted a private doctor about the skin complaint, a violation of his central contract, which requires he first consult the board's medical staff. Despite the problems surrounding Akhtar, Alam feels the training camp was a success. Pakistan are due to leave for England on May 30, with the tournament getting underway on June 5.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt