KARACHI, Aug 4: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said on Saturday he had turned down an offer from a multi-million-dollar breakaway Indian league because representing his country was more important than money.

The 32-year-old bowler was among seven current Pakistan players offered lucrative deals to play in the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

The league is bankrolled by India's Essel Group, which controls India's biggest listed media firm, Zee Telefilms.

“I was offered a decent amount from the Indian league officials. I have decided that my country is far more important for me and I am important for my team so I have decided not to take the offer,” Shoaib said.

Others who reportedly received offers include current captain Shoaib Malik, all-rounders Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, paceman Mohammad Asif and senior batsmen Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan.

Shoaib was joined by new-ball partner Asif and Afridi in turning down the rebel offer.

“Pakistan has given me name, fame and money so I think I should stick to playing for the country,” Afridi said.

Asif shared those sentiments, saying he did not hesitate to turn down the offer.

“I was first offered a hefty sum to play for the league but when I did not reply they increased the offer, but I am not ready to play and I have told them now,” said Asif.

There were reports that the seven players may not sign the central contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which prohibit players from playing in any private league but Shoaib said he had signed the contract.

“I have also signed the central contract which proves that I am only willing to play for my country and for my people,” said Shoaib.

The PCB Friday said eight out of 15 players had signed the central contracts while seven had asked for more time to go through the details. The PCB last month offered central contracts to 20 players.

Five players did not attend Friday's meeting but will sign the contracts in the next couple of weeks, the PCB said.

Zee launched the Twenty20 league in May, an annual tournament featuring foreign players and some current India players. The league resembles World Series Cricket, which was launched by Australian media mogul Kerry Packer in the 1970s and changed the face of the modern game.

Recently retired West Indian batting legend Brian Lara was the first player to sign for the league, which carries prize money of one million US dollars.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming – both of whom retired from one-day cricket after the World Cup – were also linked to the league.

The PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf said on Thursday any player featuring in the rebel league will not be considered for future selection in the national team, a warning that played a major role in players' decisions.

Shoaib, who missed the World Cup in the Caribbean earlier this year due to injury, is attending a training camp here to tune up for next month's Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.

Shoaib, who has not played for Pakistan since February, said he was focusing on his comeback.“Pakistan have to play in the Twenty20, then against South Africa, then against India and Australia, so I am more focused for the Pakistan assignments than playing any series which is not for my country,” he said.—AFP