Shoaib faced with fine

Shoaib Akhtar can play in the Champions Trophy if he pays a huge fine to the PCB

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The Pakistan Cricket Board insists fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar must pay an outstanding fine of 7million rupees if he is to be considered for selection for next month’s Champions Trophy.

The 32-year-old was included in Pakistan’s 15-man squad last week, providing him with a chance to resurrect his career.

Shoaib was facing international oblivion when he was handed a five-year ban by the PCB for violating their code of conduct earlier this year, but that suspension was reduced to 18 months on appeal and later suspended, paving the way for him to make his return.

Three days after his inclusion, Shoaib was asked to pay the fine in order to be take part in the tournament which is scheduled to be held from September 12 to 29 in Pakistan.

The PCB gave no reason for Shoaib's inclusion in the team in the first place.

"Yes, I have received a notice from the PCB and have passed it on to my lawyer who will reply to the PCB," Shoaib said.

Shoaib's lawyer Abid Hasan Minto last month reiterated that his client would pay the fine only after the High Court made its final ruling in September.

"We will study the notice and then take appropriate action," he said.