KARACHI, Jan 24: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has empowered touring manager to take independent decisions when and where required, PCB communications and marketing director Dr Ahsan Hameed Malik told reporters at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

“Touring manager has the authority to take independent decisions without consulting the board,” Dr Malik said while recording his reaction regarding the alleged scuffle between Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and coach Bob Woolmer.

Pakistan manager Talat Ali had imposed an undisclosed amount of fine on Shoaib Akhtar for his misbehaviour with Woolmer.

“It happened in heat of the moment and the matter was settled then and there,” he said.

According to some reports, Shoaib Akhtar was fined US$2,500.

He said Umar Gul and Shoaib would report to PCB medical commission for treatment and rehabilitation. Umar has arrived back from South Africa while Shoaib would be arriving soon.

The director said chief selector Wasim Bari would be consulted before sending any player to Cape Town as a replacement for Umar and Shoaib. Shabbir Ahmed, Rao Iftikhar, Abdul Rehman and Shahid Afridi are strong contestants for the job.

About PCB's long-standing issue of constitution, he said it would be finalised soon, probably till the end of this month.

Regarding remedial workout on bowlers with suspect action, Ahsan said the camp is in full swing at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore under supervision of ex-Test pacer Aaqib Javed.

Around 40 bowlers were reported for suspect bowling actions in last year's domestic season. Ten of them were cleared after correcting their actions.

He added that the PCB is focusing to control the menace of suspect bowling action at an early stage to avoid any mishap at the international level in future.

He said the PCB would also take charge of stadiums in Punjab and Sindh after meetings with the provincial ministries. —Agencies