Akhtar apologises for appearing on TV without PCB consent

Karachi:

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has apologised to the Pakistan Cricket Board for appearing on a television show without PCB's permission and accepted that he has violated the players' central contract.

A senior official of the board said that the fast bowler, who was served a show cause by the PCB, has replied back on July 31 apologising for his actions.

"Look, now he has to decide either he wants to play for Pakistan again or continue his dispute with the authorities. Both things are not possible," the official said.

The official said Akhtar himself is now keen to mend fences with the authorities and wants to get back in the national side as he has realised that he didn't have too many years of cricket left in him.

"That is one reason why the PCB is also not playing up this issue and handling it quietly. In all likelihood they want to end this matter and drop any disciplinary action against him," another source in the board said.

Pakistan captain Younus Khan has said he has no problems having Akhtar in the team as long as he performs.

"I am not bothered about what he does in his own time. That is not my concern as long as he is committed to the team and 100 per cent fit to perform for the side," Younus said.

Akhtar was not considered for the recently concluded One-day series in Sri Lanka nor included in the initial list of 30 players for next month's Champions Trophy in South Africa on fitness grounds.