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Ijaz takes u-turn, denies statement about Shoaib

Staff Report

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has taken a u-turn and denied giving any statement regarding Shoaib Akhtar’s return to international cricket. Talking to media on Friday, Ijaz insisted he did not say that it would be difficult for Shaoib to make a comeback in the team. “I don’t remember saying anything about Shoaib,” he added. It is pertinent to mention that on Thursday national media quoted Ijaz ruling out the return of controversial pacer Shoaib to international cricket. “Shoaib is already 34 and with a history of fitness problems, it is 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 had 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 week, Shoaib decided to undergo a liposuction surgery to remove extra fat from his body. He, however, didn’t seek the PCBs 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. To a question, Ijaz said Younus Khan would surely play the series against Australia. “However the selection committee will pick the captain,” he added. Ijaz also defended hosting of ‘home series’ against Australia next summer in England, saying the country was not only an ideal place as such but cost effective as well. “England is a much better venue for Test matches in terms of facilities as compared to the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh or Malaysia.” He said the UAE does not have necessary facilities for Tests for which the pitches must be good enough to last for five days.

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