Unfit Shoaib axed from Afro-Asia Cup squad

Lahore, May 22 (UNI) Pakistan's dope-tainted pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar has been dropped from the 14-member Asian team selected for the Afro-Asia Cup due to fitness problems.

Talking to Dawn, selection committee member Mohsin Khan said the 31-year-old bowler was dropped from the squad after his fitness was found to be less than hundred per cent for the next month's event in India.

''Shoaib has been replaced for the event after his fitness was found to be less than hundred percent for top level cricket,'' said Mohsin.

''I myself had fought tooth and nail for Shoaib's inclusion in the Afro-Asia Cup at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) moot in Dhaka earlier this month,'' he said, adding, ''Although selectors from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka opposed his selection, but I managed to convince them eventually about Shoaib's inclusion.'' The former Pakistan opener also said he had assured the ACC that after reaching Pakistan he would consult with the PCB about Shoaib's fitness status, and in case if it was not found to be hundred per cent then the Rawalpindi Express would be replaced by one of the stand-by players.

''So after confirming with the PCB sources that Shoaib is not fully fit for top level cricket yet, I have conveyed the same to the ACC selectors. I feel that this move is for the betterment of Pakistan cricket as well as for Shoaib's future who could make a successful comeback later in the year after regaining full fitness,'' Mohsin said.

UNI