'Unfit' Shoaib likely to miss SA tour

Lahore, Dec 28 (UNI) Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is likely to miss Pakistan's tour of South Africa as the selectors are not convinced of his fitness.

Shoaib and fellow pacer Mohammed Asif were recently cleared of doping charges by a PCB-appointed appeals committee, but the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in Switzerland is expected to hear next week an appeal by WADA against the decision.

Selection committee member Iqbal Qasim said the fitness and form of every player was being monitored but the main focus was on the fitness of Shoaib.

''The team management and the committee is not satisfied with his fitness and he has to prove it in the next couple of days for selection,'' Iqbal was quoted as saying by The Nation.

Iqbal said if Shoaib fails fitness tests, Mohammad Sami could be called up to replace him in the squad to be announced tomorrow.

Pakistan are considering sending a 17-member squad for next month's tour of South Africa and Asif is expected to be included in it.

Asif has proved his form and fitness in the recently concluded Twenty20 Cup.

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