KARACHI, Nov 21: Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is free to play in English county cricket next year provided his national duties are not affected, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Sunday.

"We have no objection to Shoaib's playing in English county as long as it does not coincide with the national team's duties," a PCB spokesman said. English county side Worcestershire last week announced Shoaib will feature in the second half of their next season.

"Pakistan is not scheduled to play in the period when Shoaib is signed to play for the county, but if any international commitment comes up out of schedule then he will have to return to play for Pakistan," the spokesman added.

Shoaib will join the Division Two team in July, following his country's tour of the West Indies. He played for Durham this year but had to return midway through the contract in July to represent Pakistan in various international series. -AFP