KARACHI, June 12: Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's improved attitude and discipline will get him a new central contract from the Pakistan Cricket Board despite recurring fitness problems, a senior official said on Monday.

Shoaib, 30, was ruled out of the first two Tests against England last week after specialists advised him to take six weeks' rest for a ankle stress fracture that had failed to heal properly.

Despite playing just six Tests since January 2005 because of fitness problems, including a knee operation in Australia, he is set to receive another contract.

“His attitude has improved a lot and he is committed to getting fit and team discipline,” the PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said.

“There is a big improvement in his behaviour since last year. We have got good reports about him. There is no question of him not getting a central contract.”

The PCB will issue fresh annual contracts to around 20 players before they leave for England later this month to play four Tests and five one-dayers.

Shaharyar said once Shoaib is fit he will be considered for selection.

“After six weeks he can start afresh.” The PCB chief said the board had decided to increase the central contract amounts which would be decided after formal talks with the players.

“We are also going to weave in performance oriented bonuses and incentives for them in their new contracts.”—Reuters