Shoaib's injury woes might make him 17th member of 16-player squad

Lahore, Jun 4 (UNI) With uncertainty looming large over Shoaib Akhtar's return to action against England, Pakistan selectors are now planning to include the speedster as the 17th player of the originally planned 16-member squad.

''We are keeping all options open,'' chief selector Wasim Bari told 'The News'.

''Shoaib is one of our key players and we would not be hasty when it comes to a decision over his inclusion (in the team),'' he added.

Mr Bari refused to talk about the swollen ankle of the speedster, which might take a week to heal after scans failed to reveal anything substantial forcing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to seek a second opinion on the report from a specialist in South Africa.

''I've not been told anything about Shoaib's injury therefore I can't comment on the issue right now,'' he said refusing to divulge anything about the said injury.

The revelations come just four days before the team for the tour of England is to be announced. The 30-year-old "Rawalpindi Express" had earlier asserted that he would certainly return for the series but the latest injury could thwart his plans.

''I met Shoaib at the training camp in Lahore today and he seems very excited to return (to the national team),'' Mr Bari said ''We will weigh all pros and cons before finalising the team,'' he said adding, ''We will decide over the Shoaib Akhtar issue after making sure that his case has been thoroughly studied by the concerned experts.'' UNI XC PM PG BST1344