The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Final decision on Akhtar's trip next week: PCB

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 18, 2005

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Final decision on Akhtar's trip next week: PCB

ISLAMABAD, MARCH 17. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that a final decision on Shoaib Akhtar travelling to India for the six-match One-day International series would be taken next week after receiving a final report from trainer.

``Our trainer Grant Compton is keeping us updated on a daily basis on the progress being made by Shoaib in recovering from his hamstring injury,'' senior PCB official Subhan Ahmed said.

``The trainer has been asked to now give a final report on Shoaib's injury next week and if he says that he (Shoaib) is fit to play he will be considered for the One-day series in India. But if Compton doesn't give clearance then Shoaib will be out of contention,'' he was quoted as saying by local daily The News.

When told that Akhtar had himself told mediapersons that his injury would take more time to heal and that he would not be available for the Indian tour, the Board official maintained that PCB would go by the report of its trainer who was overseeing the rehabilitation programmes of Shoaib, Shabbir Ahmed and Umar Gul.

``We are not aware of what Shoaib has said but we'll go by what Compton has to say. At this stage, we would not rule out a chance of Shoaib being considered for the One-day series if he has made a good recovery,'' he said. — PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport