Shoaib needs PCB permission to join IPL

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is unlikely to get a contract to play in the official Indian Premier League (IPL) unless he gets a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Islamabad, Feb.17 : Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is unlikely to get a contract to play in the official Indian Premier League (IPL) unless he gets a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to The News, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sought PCB's permission on Shoaib.

The paper quoted a PCB source as saying that the BCCI wanted to hire Shoaib for the league only if the PCB clears the speedster.

"Both boards enjoy cordial relations and unless Shoaib gets an NOC from the PCB, he is unlikely to be signed by the league," he said.

Sources close to Shoaib said the speedster is aware of the fact that unless he wins the confidence of the PCB, he will not be able to play in the IPL.

"Shoaib wants to play international cricket at least till the next World Cup. He will make one last effort to win the confidence of the board. That will help him continue playing for Pakistan as well as in the IPL," his close aide said.

The fast bowler has already been removed as the Federal Area captain and has also been axed from the 15-member playing team that will take on Balochistan in the next Pentangular Cup match starting on February 22.

ANI