Shoaib may be 17th member in England-bound Pak squad
By Zeeshan Mirza

Karachi—Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could be included as the 17th member in England-bound Pakistan squad if uncertainty over his fitness prevails at the time of next week’s team selection. “We are keeping all options open. Shoaib is one of our key players and we would not be hasty when it comes to a decision over his inclusion (in the team),” Chief Selector Wasim Bari was quoted as saying by ‘The News’ today.
Bari, however, indicated the selectors might opt to add Shoaib as an extra member to the 16-man squad that was scheduled to be announced by June 9 if the player needed more time to prove his fitness for the important tour of England.
“It is an option but let’s see what sort of development takes place in the coming days,” he said. Bari, who is in Lahore where Pakistan’s preliminary squad is attending a training camp, said that he would hold a detailed meeting with Shoaib soon to get first hand information on his current fitness.
“I met Shoaib at the training camp in Lahore today and he seems very excited to return (to the national team),” he said. According to the current plans, Pakistan are to send 16 players from a 21-man preliminary squad to England.
Shoaib’s comeback efforts have received a setback because of an ankle injury he sustained during training in Lahore late last month. A scan report on his ankle problem is to be sent to an expert in South Africa for a second opinion by the Pakistan Cricket Board. “We will weigh all pros and cons before finalising the team. We will decide over the Shoaib Akhtar issue after making it sure that his case has been thoroughly studied by the concerned experts,” he said.