Pakistan cricket

Shoaib to miss training camp due to fitness concerns

Cricinfo staff

July 19, 2008

	Shoaib Akhtar will not attend the eight-day training camp at the Army School of Physical Training © AFP

"We feared he might break down as it will be a strenuous training camp," Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB's chief operating officer, told AP. "We will be much clearer on Shoaib's fitness when the trainers physically see him. After that we will see whether some sort of training program could be devised for him."

The official's comments are seemingly in contrast to a spate of reports suggesting that Shoaib had been left out because he hadn't paid a Rs 7 million fine to the board.

Shoaib, however, said he was still trying to regain full fitness and expressed his desire to participate in the Champions Trophy. "I will train under Pakistan trainer David Dwyer and it will take me two to three weeks to get full fitness and get in full bowling rhythm, and after that I will give a fitness test," he said. "I am keen to play the Champions Trophy so I am ready to do whatever is required to play for Pakistan."

Twenty-four players have been asked to attend the training camp, including the uncapped legspinner from North West Frontier Province, Yasir Shah, who was not part of the preliminary 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy.

However, the squad for the training camp will have to undergo dope tests in Lahore on Saturday and Sunday before travelling to Kakul. Shoaib is also expected to turn out for the dope tests, while the remaining six members of Pakistan's squad - Azhar Ali, Yasir Arafat, Khurram Manzoor, Bazid Khan, Mohammad Hafeez and Yasar Hameed, will not be available for both the test and the training camp as they are busy with their county and league commitments in England.

Shoaib was included in the provisional side after the Lahore High Court suspended his 18-month ban [which was brought down from five years by a PCB-appointed disciplinary committee] for criticising the board.

© Cricinfo

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Players/Umpires

Shoaib Akhtar

Yasir Shah

Series/Tournaments

ICC Champions Trophy

Teams

Pakistan