ISLAMABAD, Feb 15: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked express bowler Shoaib Akhtar, with his fate for the forthcoming tour to India hanging in the balance, to appear before its Disciplinary Committee on Thursday , it was officially stated on Tuesday.

"Asghar Haider, Secretary Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Disciplinary Committee, has written to Shoaib Akhtar directing him to appear before the PCB Disciplinary Committee comprising Justice (R) Amir Alam Khan (chairman), Maqbool Elahi Malik and Abdul Salam Khawar (members)," according to a PCB statement.

"He (Shoaib) has been summoned to appear before the Committee at 4:30pm, Feb 17, 2005, at Qadhafi Stadium, Lahore," concluded the statement. The press has been awash lately with speculations about Shoaib Akhtar's chances for selection to India tour with one reporter even describing him as all set to make the trip. -APP