KARACHI Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has escaped punishment for appearing on a television talk show without permission, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Tuesday.
Shoaib breached the terms of his central contract by being on the programme during which he said he had considered suing the PCB for releasing his confidential medical report when he was ruled out of the squad in May for the World Twenty20.
The board ordered him to explain himself in July and is satisfied with the response his has since given.
'He has realised his mistake and he has apologised to the board for his actions. We have decided to close this matter now,' PCB chairman Ijaz Butt told reporters on Tuesday.
Shoaib's career has been plagued by fitness issues and disciplinary problems and he was left out of the squad for a test tour of Sri Lanka in July and the Champions Trophy starting later this month, raising questions about his Pakistan future.Butt said Shoaib, 34, was eligible to play for his country as long as the national selectors were satisfied with his match fitness.
'We don't want to continue this matter as Shoaib has apologised for his mistake,' the PCB chairman said.
'It was very nice of Shoaib to acknowledge his mistake and the matter is closed now,' Ijaz added.
The 'Rawalpindi Express' is now eyeing an international return with the tour of New Zealand which gets underway in the mid of November.
The fast bowler will have to prove his match fitness to be included in the squad.
Shoaib, meanwhile, has said that he would work hard on his form and fitness by attending a strict training regime.
Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam and captain Younus Khan have said in recent times that they would want to have a fit-again Shoaib back in the national team.—Agencies
