February 16, 2008	Saturday	Safar 08, 1429

MUMBAI, Feb 15: Scotching all rumours about his joining the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar on Friday confirmed he would be among the players who would be auctioned next Wednesday for the official Indian Premier League (IPL).

“My commitment to the IPL is total. There is a lot of talk about players joining other Twenty20 competitions, but I have signed up with the IPL and will honour that commitment. I’m so excited about the upcoming bid process and finding out which franchisee I will play for,” said Shoaib.

Shoaib’s agent, David Ligertwood added: “This is an exciting week for Shoaib and all other players contracted to the IPL. We have just agreed on the players contract which Shoaib and all other players will sign in the next 48 hours. We are now waiting to find out on Wednesday which city and franchise Shoaib will be engaged with.”

The temperamental speedster, however, reiterated that playing for Pakistan remained his foremost priority. “My absolute priority in my cricketing career has always been to take wickets for Pakistan and help my country win matches,” he said.

Ironically, Shoaib has been involved in an open altercation with the PCB authorities this week after criticising them in the media over the status of the on-going Pentangular Cup and the criterion set for proving his match fitness.

“I recently spoke with Mr Lalit Modi (IPL chairman & commissioner) and I’m so impressed with what he has created here. I want to play a big part in this venture,” Shoaib, nicknamed Rawalpindi Express, said.

“My contract with them will be a three-year deal initially, so I’m in it for long haul. I cannot wait to interact with local fan base and become one of their ‘own’ players.

“If I’m able to win even a fraction of ‘love’ Indian people have for their players, it will be amazing. I will be giving everything I can to try and achieve that for the next three years and hopefully beyond,” he added.—Agencies