July 20, 2008	Sunday	Rajab 16, 1429

LAHORE, July 19: Shoaib Akhtar made an appearance at the National Cricket Academy on Saturday evening where he joined a nets session with youngsters and sought to allay doubts over his fitness.

He later told reporters that although he was ready for his dope test today (Saturday), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called him in the morning to inform that no World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) official was present and therefore he would submit his sample on Sunday morning.

After being omitted from an eight-day training camp at the Army School of Physical Training in Kakul, beginning on Monday, the controversial pacer bowled a few overs at a full run-up before switching to a shortened run-up and reduced pace.

His presence at the nets session, overseen by Mudassar Nazar, served to reinvigorate young players who redoubled their efforts.

Despite his overweight appearance, he told Dawn: “I’m fit and ready to go.”

He said that he had spoken with Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s chief operating officer, who had told him he would need between two and two-and-half weeks to regain his bowling rhythm, and that he hoped to regain full match fitness in the course of the three practice matches the PCB will shortly organise for the Champions Trophy probables.