Selectors to decide Akhtar's involvement in final ODI: Butt

PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt today made it clear that national selectors would decide whether fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was fit enough to play in the final one-day international against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ejaz Butt on Thursday made it clear that national selectors would decide whether fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was fit enough to play in the final one-day international against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

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The PCB Chairman refused to be drawn into the controversy which crept up following Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik's statement after losing the second ODI that he was not happy with the fitness and commitment level of Akhtar in the first two matches.

"I don't want to interfere in the selectors work. They have to sit down and discuss with the team management and decide what to do about Akhtar," Butt said.

"My viewpoint is clear any player who is fit can be considered for national selection," he added.

A member in the selection panel said they have decided to retain the same 15-member squad for the third ODI against the Lankans in Lahore.

"There is no change in the squad now the captain and coach will have to decide what playing eleven they want. At the moment Shoaib Akhtar is part of the 15-member squad," he said.