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PCB chief rules out Shoaib’s return to int’l cricket

Staff Report

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has ruled out the return of controversial pacer Shoaib Akhtar to international cricket. The PCB chairman said Thursday that Shoaib was already 34 and with a history of fitness problems, it was unlikely for him to make a comeback. Ijaz was responding to a query whether Shoaib’s decision to undergo liposuction would boost his chances of a comeback for the Australia tour next month.

Ijaz said Pakistan had a number of young fast bowlers to choose from and that would make Shoaib’s chances of a comeback “very remote”.

Earlier this month, Shoaib decided to undergo a liposuction surgery to remove extra fat from his body. He, however, didn’t seek the PCB’s permission before undergoing the surgery. The PCB was unhappy with it because as a contracted player, Shoaib was supposed to have informed the board about it. However, Ijaz refused to comment whether the PCB would take any disciplinary action against the fast bowler.

According to doctors, Shoaib might need nearly five months post-liposuction to regain his fitness. “After the liposuction surgery, Shoaib will require at least three to five months to make a complete recovery and play competitive cricket once again,” said Waqar Ahmed, a famous sports medicine specialist.

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