JOHANNESBURG, Sept 7: Pakistan’s controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been sent home from the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa after a bust-up with team-mate Mohammad Asif.

The incident, described as a ‘shameful episode’ by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, occurred in the nets on Thursday when a heated argument led to the 32-year-old Akhtar striking his fellow fast bowler on the thigh with a bat.

“A decision has been taken to call back Shoaib on the basis of an initial inquiry by the touring team management,” PCB chief executive Shafqat Naghmi told Reuters. He said a full inquiry would be held when Shoaib returned home. “Shoaib has admitted hitting Asif,” he said. “Thankfully Asif didn’t suffer any major injury apart from a bruise on his left thigh and he will be okay.”—Agencies

Details on Page