Pakistan summon injured Shoaib home by AFP

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Player:	Shoaib Akhtar
Event:	VB Series 2004/05

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DateLine: 21st January 2005

 

Pakistan have ordered injured bowler Shoaib Akhtar back from Australia to get fit for next month's tour of India, officials said.

 

"Akhtar injured himself in the last match on Wednesday and we suggested to the team management that he should return and not play any more because he would have broken down again," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan told AFP on Friday.

 

The 29-year-old's summoning home was not linked with a claim of sexual assault made against an unnamed Pakistani player during the side's tour of Australia, he added.

 

"Akhtar's return has nothing to do with the alleged rape case in Australia," Khan said.

 

The PCB chairman said no replacement for Akhtar had been sought by the team management.

 

"We want him to get fully fit for next month's tour to India and have asked trainer Murray Stevenson to give a complete report on his fitness and why he broke down again and again," said the PCB chief.

 

Akhtar -- an enigma with his fitness problems and tussles with coach Bob Woolmer and captain Inzamam-ul Haq over his long bowling run-up -- tore a ligament in his right hamstring during Pakistan's six-wicket win against the West Indies at Brisbane on Wednesday.

 

Akhtar, who took 11 wickets in the first two Tests, also failed to bowl in the second innings of the third Test at Sydney and could bowl only 2.5 overs in the Brisbane match before walking off the field.

 

Woolmer had suggested Akhtar shorten his 30-metre (yard) run-up as it takes too much time and puts extra pressure on his body, a suggestion backed by former Pakistan captain and fast bowler Imran Khan as well as Inzamam.

 

But Akhtar refused to budge, likening himself to a jet that needs a proper runway for take-off.

 

Akhtar's frequent fitness breakdowns have also been criticised by Wasim Akram, another great fast bowler.

 

"My former pace partner Waqar Younis also had the same long run-up but he kept his fitness. Akhtar's fitness is very soft and he needs to keep his fitness to strengthen the team's attack," Wasim said.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)