Embattled Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar's career has been dealt another blow with the Cricket Board deciding not to renew his central contract as he is neither playing for the national team nor competing in the domestic circuit.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt said no fresh contract would be issued to the fast bowler, whose career has been marred by injury breakdowns, a dope scandal and disputes with the authorities.
Shoaib's current contract expires at the end of this month.
Butt said only those players are given contracts and monthly salaries who are playing for the country or competing at the domestic level.
"Unfortunately in both cases, Shoaib has not played for a while now so from next month he will not be getting anymore salary from the board," he said.
Shoaib is placed in the category A of the central contracts, which allows him to draw a salary of Rs 250,000 per month from the board.
The troubled bowler has kept a low profile since returning from England after undergoing a knee surgery two months ago.
He also had a liposuction in Islamabad to remove excess fat from his body but has not spoken to the media or played any competitive cricket.
Shoaib has had a troubled time in the past two-three years and has played only a handful of matches for Pakistan.
Butt said the fast bowler was given a central contract last time as he was active and the PCB wanted him to play regularly for the team provided he was fit and in form.
Talking about Younis Khan's non-availability for the Australian tour, Ejaz Butt said he was disappointed with the senior batsman.
The Pakistani selectors yesterday announced the squad for the tour, retaining Muhammad Yousuf as captain for the Test and one-day series in Australia.
Younus, who had pulled out of the ongoing tour of New Zealand due to personal reasons and lack of form, didn't make himself available for the Australian tour.
"I had spoken to Younus in England and had told him to play some domestic cricket and make himself available for the Australian tour," Ejaz Butt said.
"I am disappointed that he didn't listen to my advice because I feel he is our top batsman and should have been going to Australia. But since he didn't make himself available there is nothing the selectors could do," he added.
The PCB Chairman said despite several attempts by the PCB to contact Younus, nothing had come out of it.
"At present we don't even know where Younus is as he has not gotten back to us as yet," he stated.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt said no fresh contract would be issued to the fast bowler, whose career has been marred by injury breakdowns, a dope scandal and disputes with the authorities.
Shoaib's current contract expires at the end of this month.
Butt said only those players are given contracts and monthly salaries who are playing for the country or competing at the domestic level.
"Unfortunately in both cases, Shoaib has not played for a while now so from next month he will not be getting anymore salary from the board," he said.
Shoaib is placed in the category A of the central contracts, which allows him to draw a salary of Rs 250,000 per month from the board.
The troubled bowler has kept a low profile since returning from England after undergoing a knee surgery two months ago.
He also had a liposuction in Islamabad to remove excess fat from his body but has not spoken to the media or played any competitive cricket.
Shoaib has had a troubled time in the past two-three years and has played only a handful of matches for Pakistan.
Butt said the fast bowler was given a central contract last time as he was active and the PCB wanted him to play regularly for the team provided he was fit and in form.
Talking about Younis Khan's non-availability for the Australian tour, Ejaz Butt said he was disappointed with the senior batsman.
The Pakistani selectors yesterday announced the squad for the tour, retaining Muhammad Yousuf as captain for the Test and one-day series in Australia.
Younus, who had pulled out of the ongoing tour of New Zealand due to personal reasons and lack of form, didn't make himself available for the Australian tour.
"I had spoken to Younus in England and had told him to play some domestic cricket and make himself available for the Australian tour," Ejaz Butt said.
"I am disappointed that he didn't listen to my advice because I feel he is our top batsman and should have been going to Australia. But since he didn't make himself available there is nothing the selectors could do," he added.
The PCB Chairman said despite several attempts by the PCB to contact Younus, nothing had come out of it.
"At present we don't even know where Younus is as he has not gotten back to us as yet," he stated.
© PTI
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