March 22 Friday 2002
Shoaib's quick trip Down Under raises eyebrows

KARACHI: Pakistan's enigmatic fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has returned home after a private visit to Australia which has become cause for controversy.

Reports said on Thursday that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could take disciplinary action against Shoaib for proceeding to Australia without taking permission.

But Shoaib told 'The News' that he had gone to Australia after informing and taking permission from authorities in the Board. "There is no problem. Why should I jeopardize my future with the Pakistan team?" he retorted.

Reports said that Shoaib had left for Australia immediately after the Asian Test Championship final against Sri Lanka at Lahore, which Pakistan lost badly.

The private visit came at a time when all leading players were required to play for their departments or association in the ongoing National One-day Championship. "I will be joining the Pakistan camp from Friday and I have been in Lahore for the last two days," said Shoaib.
Brigadier Munawwar Rana, the PCB Director, when asked if Shoaib's visit was a case of indiscipline, stated nothing official had come to their notice. "We have nothing official in our hands so I can't say anything about any disciplinary action," he said.

A member of the PCB disciplinary committee also said he had not been informed about any immediate hearing or anything about Shoaib going to Australia without permission.

Shoaib, rated as the world's fastest bowler with Australian Brett Lee said he was looking forward to training in the camp with the other players and also towards the one day tournament in Sharjah and than the Test series against New Zealand.

Shoaib, whom the PCB Chairman Lt General Tauqir Zia has backed strongly even when he was reported twice by International cricket council (ICC) match officials for a suspect action last year, stated he would be training hard and shedding more weight to be at his best in the coming matches.

The fast bowler nicknamed "The Rawalpindi Express" for his speed said he was disappointed with his performance against Sri Lanka, but would be fight back.