Shoaib in Pakistan squad

7 October 2008

Seamer Shoaib Akhtar has been included in Pakistan's squad for the T20 Canada

Paceman Shoaib Akhtar was today named in a 15-man Pakistan squad for this month’s four-nation T20 Canada tournament in Toronto.

Shoaib has not played a match for his country this year after being banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board for five years in April for disciplinary reasons.

The career-threatening ban was reduced to 18 months and a fine of seven million rupees was imposed by an appellate tribunal, but the 33-year-old took his case to the Lahore High Court where the ban was temporarily lifted.

The PCB, however, filed a writ demanding the fine be paid. That case comes up for hearing on Wednesday.

The controversial bowler was, however, included in the team for series the in Canada, which also features Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and the hosts.

"We have included Akhtar after clearance from the PCB," chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said.

Shoaib Malik was named captain, while newcomers Khalid Latif, Shoaib Khan and Anwar Ali were also picked. Mohammad Yousuf, who was named among the probables for the tournament, was dropped.

Pakistan squad: Shahid Afridi, Salman Butt, Sohail Tanvir, Younis Khan, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Misbah-ul Haq, Shoaib Malik (capt), Khalid Latif, Shoaib Khan, Anwar Ali, Fawad Alam, Sohail Khan and Abdur Rauf.