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Shoaib returns to Pakistan squad Shoaib to miss first Test in SA
(1 day 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. Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will not be available for the first Test against South Africa which starts in Centurion on Thursday.
Shoaib has had "problems with his travel schedule", but will join the team before the second Test.
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. He was called up on Monday after Umar Gul was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, injury has sidelined paceman Umar Gul for Thursday's first Test. "Shoaib will not be able to leave before the first Test," said Saleem Altaf, director of cricket operations.
Gul hurt 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 the selectors to rush a replacement." "But he will certainly join the team before the second Test from 19 January."
Gul hurt his ankle in the three-day warm-up game with The Rest of South Africa and PCB communications director Ehsan Malik said: "The team management sent a request to the selectors to rush a replacement."
Pakistan are also without batsman Mohammad Yousuf and all-rounder Shoaib Malik for the match at Centurion Park.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.
"Physically he looks fit and I hope he delivers in South Africa," PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said of Shoaib."Physically he looks fit and I hope he delivers in South Africa," PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said of Shoaib.
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.