Shoaib irked by Shaharyar's comments

Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his disappointment at the negative remarks made by Shaharyar Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. The Press Trust of India had quoted Shaharyar as saying, "The manager, the coach and the captain of the Pakistan team were annoyed with the attitude of Shoaib during the recent series [against India] and he caused a decline in the morale of the whole team."

Shaharyar had also hinted to a Pakistan daily that Shoaib's unfit state may prompt the selectors to drop him from the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Shoaib reacted strongly to this by telling The News: "I don't know what has prompted the PCB chief to say this. But I am very much available for the Asia Cup and have recovered well from my ribcage injury after two weeks of rest."

Shoaib, who had a fantastic game for Durham in their latest match against Derbyshire, added, "I am sending my latest medical reports to the board for their knowledge but doctors have cleared me to resume playing and have advised me to continue taking treatment also. But they have cleared me because they know I am fit to play after two-week rest."

When asked about the chairman's remarks about his attitude, Shoaib said, "As far as my attitude is concerned, I know I have made mistakes but it is something that I had a clear discussion with the chairman about and have made myself very clear."