'Conspiracy theory' in Shoaib pullout

Sources close to the fast bowler disclosed that he had requested the PCB to allow him to stay in Australia.

Paceman Shoaib Akhtar's withdrawal from the Indian tour less than 24 hours after being fined and reprimanded for indiscipline has triggered off a heated debate in the cricket-mad country.

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Experts, former players and followers of the game have come up with all possible conspiracy theories as Pakistan cricket team's first full tour of India in six years continues to be dogged by controversies.

"Shoaib Akhtar's withdrawal is a body blow for Pakistan. The Indians must be celebrating. Pakistan, I think, have lost the series even before it has started," former Test fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz said from Islamabad.

"In a nutshell, it is a clear case of mishandling a star player. I don't think the PCB had sent out positive vibes by first issuing show-cause notice and then making Shoaib appear before disciplinary committee.

"At a time when the player needed support and confidence-boosting, the PCB put unnecessary pressure on him from right, left and centre," he said.

Sarfraz, who helped Shoaib improve his bowling action, recalled last year's episode when India toured Pakistan and said Shoaib was humiliated that time also.

"If you remember, Shoaib underwent tremendous strain and tension when the PCB constituted a medical commission to probe if the fast bowler had deliberately under-performed citing fitness during Rawalpindi Test," Sarfaraz said.