KARACHI, April 19: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, making headlines mostly for the wrong reasons these days, left for the Indian city of Mumbai on a private visit early on Monday.

According to details available with Dawn, Shoaib left for Mumbai at 8.00am by PIA flight No PK-274. Shoaib, who was accompanied by an unnamed friend, until the time of his departure had not sought permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take part in a commercial shoot in Mumbai.

The "Rawalpindi Express" was a huge disappointment in the just concluded series against India, taking only seven wickets while averaging over 42.00, before 'breaking down' midway through the deciding final Test in Rawalpindi.