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Shoaib takes 4-22 in domestic match
The Pakistani fast bowler returned to competitive cricket with a bang but the selectors said they would not rush his return to international cricket.
Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar returned to competitive cricket with a bang by taking four for 22 in a domestic one-day competition but the selection committee said it would not rush his return to international cricket.
Shoaib, who missed the second half of the Australian tour and then withdrew from the tour of India with a hamstring injury, had figures of 7-1-22-4 for Khan Research Laboratory who beat Sui Gas by 83 runs in the third round of Patron's Cup one-day cricket tournament.
Shoaib, who had bowled four overs in a Twenty20 game against Leicestershire at the same ground last week, bowled with fire and hostility.
"I am feeling much, much better. As I have said earlier, I am available to join the team but the eventual decision about my comeback will be taken by my trainer (Grant Compton) and the national selectors," Shoaib said from Lahore.
Wasim Bari, the chairman of Pakistani cricket selectors, however, said they would not rush the comeback of Shoaib who has not played any international cricket for nearly three months.
"He is too valuable a player and his comeback will be properly planned.
"I haven't talked to Shoaib Akhtar has yet. But I will also consult his trainer (Grant Compton) and consider his opinion," Bari said.
Bari said the team management would also be consulted before Shoaib is flown as a reinforcement to India.
"I would not like to jump the guns. We will take the decision after consulting the team management and Grant Compton," Bari stressed.
Shoaib had said last month that he was targeting his comeback in the Ahmedabad one-dayer to be played on April 12. He had further added that he would personally consult legendary Imran Khan before staging a comeback.
Elsewhere, Yasir Hameed continued to hurt the selectors when he scored his third successive century to propel PIA to a narrow 15 runs victory over Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
Yasir, who was sent back from India after the Tests, followed up his 76 and 112 with a gutsy 54 that came off 53 balls and included seven boundaries.
