KARACHI, June 15: Strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar has become embroiled in a new fitness row with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the run-up to next month's Asia Cup. The PCB has refused to accept Shoaib's assurances that he is fit to play in the limited-overs tournament in Sri Lanka following a rib cage injury.

"I am playing for my county Durham and performing well. If I am not fit would they play me? I want to play in the Asia Cup but the board is not being clear about it," Shoaib told Reuters from England on Tuesday.

The board earlier this month instructed their selectors not to consider Shoaib for the cup, which also features India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong.

"We acted on the basis of a letter sent to us by Durham who informed us that he needed periods of rest between matches to recover completely from his injury," PCB chief executive Ramiz Raja said.

"We have told Shoaib clearly that if he claims he is fit he has to come down and undergo a stringent fitness test; only then will he be considered." Shoaib, who has a history of disciplinary problems, and the board have clashed before over his fitness.

The 28-year-old, reputed to be the fastest bowler in the world, faced a medical commission inquiry after the home series defeat to India in April. Shoaib had hurt his rib cage and was unable to bowl during the decisive third and final Test in Rawalpindi but team captain Inzamamul Haq and some senior board officials questioned his commitment. "I don't know why they don't trust me. I have always been committed to Pakistan cricket," Shoaib added. -Reuters