Rain delays Shoaib's comeback bid

Mumbai: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will have to wait for some more time to prove his fitness before the national selectors as heavy overnight rains in Lahore have forced the postponement of the three practice matches, which were arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) among Champions Trophy probables.

"The three selectors - Sallauddin Ahmed, Salim Jaffer and Shafaqat Rana were very eager to witness the fitness of Shoaib. Ahmed and Jaffer even arrived from Karachi but due to heavy rain, we had to shelve our plans," revealed one PCB official.

"The three matches (two 50 overs-a-side and one T20 match) will now be played on any of the three days between 8-11 August depending upon the availability of the ground," the official added.

"Shoaib Akhtar has been doing net training at the academy and selectors want him to prove his fitness before the final Champions Trophy squad is announced. He has not played enough cricket after he participated in India's inaugural IPL matches a few weeks ago. These three matches will give him a chance to prove the fitness."

Meanwhile, the 'Rawalpindi Express' has not yet paid the penalty dues (Rs. 70 lakhs) and selectors will also seek guidelines about his inclusion from PCB.

"I have recommended that he should pay the penalty as per High Court order but now it is up to the PCB to decide about the next course of action," the PCB lawyer Taffazul Rizvi said from Lahore.

However, according to the sources, the PCB officials may not be so rigid now and instead of pressing for the issue, may wait till the final outcome of the hearing is held.

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