Lahore High Court to decide Shoaib Akhtars cricket future on October 8

Out of favour Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtars future in the game is likely to be determined only after the Lahore High Court rules on a case on October 8.

Karachi, Oct.4 : Out of favour Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's future in the game is likely to be determined only after the Lahore High Court rules on a case on October 8.

The court ruling will decide whether Akhtar can play for Pakistan without paying the seven million-rupee fine imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over repeated breaches of discipline.

According to The News, the court was scheduled to hold a hearing over a writ filed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against Akhtar for not paying up the fine on Friday, but postponed it because of the Eid holidays.

PCB lawyer Tafazzul Rizvi said that chief justice of LHC Syed Zahid Hussain has fixed October 8 as the new date for the hearing.

The board has included Shoaib in the preliminary squad for the Toronto quadrangular to be played October 10-13.

Shoaib has not played for Pakistan since last December when he featured in the third Test against India in Bangalore. Since then he has been out of the national squad either due to injury or suspension.

Shoaib tried taking the first step toward his international comeback by playing in a couple of county games for Surrey this season, but was unable to prove his form and fitness in those outings.

Pakistan is scheduled to leave for Toronto October 8 for the four-nation Twenty20 tournament that will also feature Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and hosts Canada.

ANI