Shoaib Akhtar in, Md Yousuf out of Pak squad for T20 tournament in Canada

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has been out of his national side for quite some time and lately because of non payment of fine of Rs 70 lakhs imposed by the PCB, has been selected in the 15-member squad announced here last evening for the four-Nation Twenty20 tournament to be held in Toronto, Canada from October 10-13.

Lahore, Oct 8 : Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has been out of his national side for quite some time and lately because of non payment of fine of Rs 70 lakhs imposed by the PCB, has been selected in the 15-member squad announced here last evening for the four-Nation Twenty20 tournament to be held in Toronto, Canada from October 10-13.

The selectors announced the squad just 24 hours before its departure for the tournament.

According to the Daily Times, Akhtar (33) has been selected after the PCB softened its stance on a demand he pay an outstanding fine of Rs 70 lakhs after criticism of not being awarded a central contract.

"We have included Akhtar after clearance from the PCB and hope that he delivers the goods in the tournament," the paper quoted PCB chief selector Salahuddin as telling reporters.

He was initially banned for five years, but the sentence was reduced to 18 months by an Appellate Tribunal in June. The PCB had earlier said that the fast bowler, who last represented his country in India last December, could not play for Pakistan or in Pakistan until he had cleared the fine imposed on him for disciplinary violations.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Yousuf, who was named among the probables for the quadrangular tournament that also features hosts Canada, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, has been left out.

The squad also includes Shahid Afridi, whose form has been woeful of late, Fawad Alam, back in the squad after being overlooked for the Champions Trophy, and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who returns after being dropped after the Kitply Cup in June, replacing Sarfraz Ahmed.

Rookie fast bowler Anwar Ali, 23 and opener Shoaib Khan have also earned maiden call-ups. Khalid Latif, an opener who played one ODI against Zimbabwe, is part of the squad.

ANI