January 23, 2007	Tuesday	Muharram 03, 1428

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LAHORE, Jan 22: Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was fined by the Pakistan team management on Monday for misbehaving with coach Bob Woolmer inside the dressing room last Saturday.

Television cameras at Port Elizabeth clearly showed the maverick pacer exchanging hot words with Woolmer prior to the commencement of the second day’s play of the second Test.

“Yes, a fine in cash has been imposed on Shoaib by team manager Talat Ali for acting in an undisciplined manner during the match,” confirmed PCB’s Director Communications, Ahsan Malik.

“The team management, however, has not disclosed the exact amount of fine charged from the fast bowler,” he said.

SHOAIB AKHTAR, UMAR GUL TO RETURN HOME

Pakistan’s injured pace duo of Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul will be returning home from South Africa this week while all-rounder Shoaib Malik will remain with the team, the PCB announced on Monday.

“Both Shoaib and Umar will be sent back and will undergo treatment in Pakistan for their injuries while the team management has preferred to retain Shoaib Malik as he is well on the course of recovery,” Ahsan said.

Shoaib, who was sent to South Africa in place of injured Umar Gul last week, bowled superbly in the first innings of the second Test, taking four for 36 before breaking down with a hamstring problem.

“A scan on Shoaib’s injury has revealed that he needs two weeks' rest, said Ahsan. “It is advisable for the two pacers to regain fitness in Pakistan before the World Cup in the West Indies which is just two months away.”

The 23-year-old Umar Gul twisted his ankle before a three-day warm-up match in South Africa and has since failed to regain full fitness.

Ahsan added that no replacement will be sent for either Shoaib or Umar to South Africa due to shortage of time since the third Test commences after a gap of just three days at Cape Town from Jan 26.

However, he said the team management was in constant touch with the national selection committee to finalise the names for the ODI series against South Africa starting from Feb 4.