Akhtar in, Yousuf out of Champion's Trophy probables

Tue, Jul 15 07:32 PM

Karachi, Jul 15 (PTI) Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar made a comeback while senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf and dope-tainted pacer Mohammad Asif were left out of Pakistan's 30-member preliminary squad today named for the Champions Trophy. The Pakistan board, announcing the squad in Lahore at a press conference, said Yousuf had requested not be considered for the event because of his religious commitments.

"Since the Champions Trophy falls in the month of Ramazan, Yousuf said he should not be considered for selection for the tournament," said Shafqat Naghmi, chief operating officer of the board. There was much speculation about whether Akhtar would make the Champions Trophy preliminary squad since last week after the selectors confirmed he was on their list for the tournament.

But the Board had made it clear that Akhtar would only be considered if he paid the fine of seven million rupees imposed on him by the appellate tribunal last month. Akhtar, through his lawyer, informed the Board he would not pay the fine immediately as his writ petition was still pending in the Lahore High Court.

"Since he has committed to pay the fine when the court reaches a decision we have no problems. We never said he would not be considered if he didn't pay the fine immediately," Naghmi said in a change of heart.

PTI.

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