Shoaib sits out training camp

13 May 2009

Shoaib Akhtar is expected to be fit for the World Twenty20 despite missing Pakistan's training camp

Shoaib Akhtar will miss Pakistan’s conditioning camp ahead of the World Twenty20 because of a skin problem.

The 33-year-old pace bowler was due to take his place in a 15-man squad for the six-day camp at a mountain resort in Bhurban tomorrow.

Instead, he has been advised to rest for seven to 10 days, but should be able to join up with his team-mates for the start of the tournament in England on June 5.

Shoaib’s ailment continues a frustrating recent run of injuries for the paceman since he had his 18-month ban, which was imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board for ill discipline, reduced to a suspended term last year.

After he missed the one-day series with West Indies last October due to a calf injury, he also sat out the ill-fated Test series with Sri Lanka in March because of a knee complaint.

He returned to play in all five games of the recent one-day series with Australia in the UAE, but took just three wickets at an average of 50.66.

Shoaib had been selected to play in Pakistan’s World Twenty20 squad in South Africa two years ago, but was sent home after assaulting team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat just days before the start of the tournament.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group B for this year’s competition alongside England and Holland.