'Mysterious' skin disease cast doubts over Akhtar's Twenty20 World Cup participation

Lahore, May 21 (ANI): The 'mysterious' skin disease has created doubts about Shoaib Akhtar's participation the Twenty20 World Cup starting from June 5 in England.

Akhtar did not participate in the Bhurban training camp, and now the skin infection has forced him out of the three practice games to be played ahead of the team's departure to England.

"Shoaib will miss all three practice matches because of the condition. At this juncture I will not say anything more about his status in Pakistan's squad for the World Cup but we will make an announcement on Thursday (today)," The Daily Times quoted coach Intikhab Alam, as saying.

Alam had already made it clear that Akhtar would have to prove his fitness to make it to the mega event, failing which he may be axed from the squad.

"Shoaib will have to play in the practice games otherwise there could be problems for him," Alam had said.

The controversial pacer could find himself in more trouble with the PCB contemplating disciplinary action against him for violating the central contract with regard to his medical report submitted for skipping the national camp held in the hill resort of Bhurban.

Sources in the PCB said that board officials were unhappy with Akhtar's medical report that allowed him to skip the conditioning camp.

They added the PCB's view was that since Akhtar was getting medical attention privately, the board could not be held responsible if he faces any doping problems during the T20 World Cup in England. (ANI)