LAHORE, May 28: Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq surprised everyone on Sunday when he disclosed that speedster Shoaib Akhtar was facing an ankle problem and would see a doctor on Monday.

Inzamam’s disclosure came two days after PCB chairman Shaharyar M. Khan’s statement that the board would investigate Shoaib’s absence from the ongoing training camp set up for tour of England.

Inzamam, who with eight other players joined the camp at the Qadhafi Stadium on Sunday after playing two ODIs against Asia XI in Saudi Arabia, expressed hope that the fast bowler would join the camp soon.

Commenting on the upcoming tour, he said England were tough rivals in home conditions and Pakistan would try to defeat them especially in one-dayers.

"Our Test record in England is good but it is not impressive in the shorter version of the game. We will try to improve it," Inzamam said.

Asked if Mushtaq Ahmed would be considered for the tour as coach Bob Woolmer hinted, Inzamam said it was early to comment on the possibility.

The skipper said weather was hot in Lahore and schedule of the training camp was changed to save players from extreme heat.

Meanwhile, 16 probables reported at the training camp after arrival from Saudi Arabia.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria would join the camp from Monday as he was in Karachi to get his passport renewed.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...