Shoaib asked to prove his match fitness before leaving for India

Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been asked to prove his match fitness before leaving for India to take part in the Afro-Asia one day cricket series starting next month.

Karachi, May 21 : Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been asked to prove his match fitness before leaving for India to take part in the Afro-Asia one day cricket series starting next month.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials said Shoaib would be allowed to take part in the series only after he proves his full match-fitness before leaving for India.

According to the The News, Shoaib, after an initial reluctance to play in the series citing personal commitments and lack of match fitness, has now made himself available for the three-match series to be staged in Bangalore and Chennai from June 9.

"We have no problems with Shoaib playing for the Asia eleven. We know he has been training hard. Obviously, our medical panel is keeping tabs on him. Plus it is also the responsibility of the Pakistani selector on the ACC selection panel to see he is fully fit," said PCB spokesman Ehsan Malik.

"The Board would satisfy itself that Shoaib was fully fit as he was a senior and key player for the country," he added.

On his part, Shoaib said he was match fit and was taking tips from bowling legend Wasim Akram.

"Wasim feels that the one-day series is a good opportunity for me to ease myself back into international cricket after a long-layoff. I want to pace myself in such a way I don't get injured again," said Shoaib.

ANI