May 22, 2007	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 05, 1428

KARACHI, May 21: Former opening batsman and selector Mohsin Khan on Monday said fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been dropped from the Afro-Asia Cup after his fitness was found to be less than hundred percent for the event.

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

“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,” said Mohsin. “Although selectors from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka opposed the selection of the Rawalpindi Express, I managed to convince them eventually about Shoaib’s inclusion.”

Mohsin added that he had assured the ACC about reconfirming Shoaib’s fitness after reaching Pakistan and in case there was a change of status, the fast bowler could be replaced by one of the stand-by players.

“So after confirming with the Pakistan Cricket Board (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,” said Mohsin.

Shoaib was named in a 14-member Asian squad led by Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena to play matches in Bangalore and Chennai from June 6-10. During the ODI series, a twenty20 match would also be played between Asia and Africa where Pakistani captain Shoaib Malik will lead the Asian squad.