LAHORE, Dec 9: Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif will return to action in a Twenty20 Cup domestic tournament later this month after being cleared of doping charges, an official said on Saturday.

The duo had their long-term bans set aside on Tuesday by a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appeals tribunal.

“Both have been cleared by the board to resume playing domestic cricket. They have shown willingness to play in the Twenty20 tournament which starts from Dec.21,” Saqib Irfan, a board official said.

PCB selectors said both will only be considered for the tour of South Africa early next year after they have proved their match fitness and form in domestic cricket.

Irfan said all the leading players in contention for the South Africa tour, including captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, have confirmed they would represent their teams in the regional Twenty20 competition in Karachi.—Reuters