By IANS
Karachi : Dope tainted Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been dropped from the Asian squad after his fitness level was found not up to the mark for the forthcoming Afro-Asia Cup next month.
"Shoaib has been replaced for the event after his fitness was found to be less than hundred percent for top-level cricket," Asian selector Mohsin Khan was quoted as saying by the Dawn Tuesday.
"After confirming with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources that Shoaib is not fully fit for top level cricket yet, I have conveyed the same to the Asian Cricket Council selectors.
"I feel that this move is for the betterment of Pakistan cricket as well as for Shoaib's future who could make a successful comeback later in the year after regaining full fitness," said Mohsin.
Shoaib's inclusion was also linked to the fact that he could have been a good crowd puller for the tournament. He was named in a 14-member Asian squad led by Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena to play matches in Bangalore and Chennai from June 6-10.
A Twenty20 match would also be played between Asia and Africa where Pakistani captain Shoaib Malik will lead the Asian squad.