July 30, 2007	Monday	Rajab 14, 1428

KARACHI, July 29: The Pakistan team management has decided to play Shoaib Akhtar only in selected matches of the ongoing Twenty20 series of practice games after the country’s premier fast bowler was a notable absentee during the third fixture on Sunday.

Talking to reporters at the National Stadium, team manager Talat Ali said that Shoaib would play in few

of the remaining five matches.

“We all feel that Shoaib needs to be nursed properly since Pakistan has a hectic international schedule in the coming months. And because he (Shoaib) is so crucial to the team, the team management would like to ensure he stays in top physical shape for the coming season,” Talat explained.

Shoaib, who turns 32 next month, was apparently slated to play on Sunday, after missing the first two matches, since he arrived in the city late on Friday.

When asked why the maverick speedster, who is widely known as the Rawalpindi Express, didn’t play on Sunday, Talat reiterated the decision was taken keeping in mind Pakistan’s schedule of matches.

“I can assure you that Shoaib is very fit and raring to go. This afternoon he had a strenuous workout in the nets. At this stage, we don’t want him to get injured, especially bowling in hot and humid conditions,” the manager remarked. “But he may play in the fourth practice match on Monday.”

Shoaib, who had a long history of injuries plus dope-related problems, hasn’t played for Pakistan since limping out of the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth last January.

The fast bowler, who has taken 169 wickets in 43 Tests and 208 in 133 ODIs, chose to skip the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi in May, but was in the squad that went to Scotland where Pakistan’s matches against the hosts and India were both washed out last month.

Pakistan’s schedule in coming months includes the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa, followed by a home series (two Tests and five One-day Internationals) against the Proteas and tour of India (five ODIs, and three Tests).

Zimbabwe are slated to visit Pakistan for five ODIs in January before world champions Australia arrive here in March/April for three Tests and five ODIs. And then in May, Pakistan are to host the Asia Cup.