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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Shoaib returns to Pakistan squad | Shoaib returns to Pakistan squad |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could play for Pakistan for the first time since his doping ban was lifted, after being called up for the tour of South Africa. | Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could play for Pakistan for the first time since his doping ban was lifted, after being called up for the tour of South Africa. |
| Shoaib had a two-year ban for taking nandrolone lifted in December after an appeal panel ruled he had never knowingly taken the banned substance. | Shoaib had a two-year ban for taking nandrolone lifted in December after an appeal panel ruled he had never knowingly taken the banned substance. |
| "Akhtar will fly out on the first available flight to South Africa," a spokesman was quoted as saying. | "Akhtar will fly out on the first available flight to South Africa," a spokesman was quoted as saying. |
| He may play in Thursday's first Test as Umar Gul has been sidelined by injury. | |
| Gul injured his ankle in the three-day warm-up game with The Rest of South Africa and PCB communications director Ehsan Malik said: "He has been ruled out, and the team management sent a request to theselectors to rush a replacement." | |
| Pakistan are also without batsman Mohammad Yousuf and all-rounder Shoaib Malik for the match at Centurion Park. | |
| Shoaib, 31, has not played for Pakistan since a one-day game against England in September, a month before he and fellow paceman Mohammad Asif returned positive tests. | Shoaib, 31, has not played for Pakistan since a one-day game against England in September, a month before he and fellow paceman Mohammad Asif returned positive tests. |
| After his appeal was upheld, Shoaib was left out of the 17-man party after selectors felt he lacked match fitness but he has since bowled 21 overs in a first-class match, taking five wickets. | After his appeal was upheld, Shoaib was left out of the 17-man party after selectors felt he lacked match fitness but he has since bowled 21 overs in a first-class match, taking five wickets. |
| The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has challenged the decision of the appeal panel and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) is likely to make a ruling within four months. | The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has challenged the decision of the appeal panel and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) is likely to make a ruling within four months. |