Shoaib will be fit for England tour

The Pakistan Cricket Board is confident that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar would be fit before the important tour of England in June.

A PCB official said that reports about Shoaib's recovery from his knee operation and stress fracture of his ankle bones are encouraging and he would start bowling soon.

"The physiotherapist and trainer have given us a good report on his rehabilitation process and we are hopeful he would be available for the England tour," the PCB official was quoted as saying by The News in Karachi on Saturday.

Shoaib underwent a knee surgery in Australia after he was ruled out of the one-day series against India due to injury problem. He also missed the Sri Lanka tour as he was recovering from the surgery.

"He was advised six to eight weeks of rest and he has made good progress. He is a valuable player for the team and his presence in England would be very important for us," the official said.

On another speedster Shabbir Ahmed, who has been suspended for 12 months by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for having an illegal bowling action, the PCB official said efforts are being made to convince the ICC experts to review Shabbir's action before the completion of the suspension period.

"Shabbir has been working on his action and we might send him abroad soon because we are very keen his action should be reviewed before the 12-month suspension period is completed," the official said.