Akhtar back in Pakistan fold
Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has not played for Pakistan since December, has been named in a 15-man squad for next month's Champions Trophy.
"Shoaib has been picked after doctors cleared his fitness," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said on Tuesday.
Last month, the PCB left the paceman out of a Pakistan training camp over an unpaid fine after he had been chosen in a preliminary squad for the tournament.
Fellow fast bowler Umar Gul and all-rounder Shahid Afridi were also included in the 15-man squad despite fitness fears.
"Shoaib, Gul and Afridi carry a lot of experience and we are confident they will be 100 per cent fit for the tournament," said chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed.
According to media reports, the choice of Shoaib and Afridi led to a dispute between coach Geoff Lawson and the selectors on Monday because the Australian had doubts over their fitness.
Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was recalled after being dropped for the recent Asia Cup.
SQUAD
Nasir Jamshed, Salman Butt, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik (captain), Khalid Latif, Misbahul Haq, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Bazid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar, Sohail Tanvir, Abdur Rauf.
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