Shoaib available for Afro-Asia Cup

Shoaib Akhtar, the Pakistan fast bowler, is available for the Afro-Asia Cup to be held in Bangalore and Chennai in June.

Shoaib was thinking of opting out of the tournament, which comprises three ODIs and a Twenty20, because of family commitments but announced his availability after consulting his doctors and family members.

"I am available and I am keen to play and do well," Shoaib told PTI. "The series is a good platform for me to make a strong comeback."

He said that he had recovered from his knee injury and a slight hamstring problem. "I am fit now and I have also been consulting with Wasim Akram and Imran Khan on how best to preserve myself and keep myself in top shape for future assignments. They have been of great help."

Shoaib was one of three Pakistanis, the other two being Mohammad Yousuf and Mohammad Asif, to be included in the Asian squad for the Afro-Asia Cup.