Shoaib asked to stay in Australia

Karachi, Jan 7: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has directed Shoaib Akhtar to stay in Australia in anticipation that the game's body would suspend the ban on him.

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt-Gen Tauqir Zia confirmed to Dawn that Akhtar has been instructed to stay in Perth until Jan 19. The tri-nation series starts on Sunday with the opener between Pakistan and Australia at Brisbane.

Akhtar is presently attending a course in the Western Australia cricket Academy run by former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee.

"He has been told to stay there in case the ban is suspended and he is declared available for the tri-nation series. He was originally selected in the squad, therefore, I don't see any problems why he can't play," the general said from Mangla.

The PCB chairman said Lillee has cut short his vacations and would join Akhtar at the university on Jan 14. He added that by Jan 14, the fast bowler's video footage would be recorded from every possible angel.

"Between Jan 14 and 19, Lillee will work with Akhtar and help him to improve his bowling action," he said.

The general said he had a discussion with Jaghmohan Dalmiya, the International Cricket Council (ICC) president. He said Dalmiya has instructed the ICC's advisory panel to review Akhtar's ban and decide if it was possible to suspend the ban.

"I had a very positive discussion with Dalmiya and I am now convinced that the issue would settle amicably."

Lt-Gen Tauqir said Dalmiya confirmed to him that Pakistan's protest and document challenging the suspension on Akhtar has been received. "Dalmiya said the letter has been forwarded to Sir Clyde Walcott (chairman technical committee) with a note that immediate action be taken.

"No time frame has, however, been given when the teleconference would be held. But Dalmiya has sought explanation within 48 hours which is quite significant," he said.

Meanwhile, sources confirmed to Dawn that the ICC has decided to suspend the ban on Shoaib Akhtar.

Having already made up their minds to allow Shoaib to play in Australian tournament, the ICC was not chalking out strategy for its face saving. Sources said an announcement by ICC on Shoaib was expected by Wednesday.

The PCB chairman said when he talked to Dalmiya on Friday, he emphasised that Akhtar cannot be banned from, at least, one-day cricket because bouncers are called in that level of game.

"If there is doubt over the straightening of Shoaib's arm immediately before a bouncer, how can he be suspended because any ball over shoulder height in one-day cricket is illegal and can be called."