Pakistan's enigmatic fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar wants to be given an opportunity to play a final farewell match this year although he announced his retirement from international cricket during the World Cup.
Although Shoaib himself has kept a low profile since returning from the World Cup, well-placed sources confirmed that the fast bowler had conveyed to the PCB about his desire to play a farewell match.
The experienced player suffered a setback in the World Cup as his announcement after the New Zealand match led to him not getting another opportunity in the cricketing extravaganza.
Ross Taylor and Co smashed him for 28 runs in his last international over.
Worse, he was fined $2000 for misbehaving with teammate Kamran Akmal who dropped Taylor twice in one over of Shoaib.
Local daily 'The News' reported on Thursday that Shoaib had kicked Kamran on the field during the match and used abusive language which led to an ugly scene on the field.
The report stated that while Shoaib was fined and issued a notice, the management also fined Kamran $1000 for his role in the incident.
According to the newspaper, some members of the Pakistan team didn't want the board to allow Shoaib any farewell match later this year in any series as they were still upset over the incident in the New Zealand match and didn't want the speedster back in Pakistan colours.
In 2007, erstwhile captain Inzamam-ul-Haq had also announced his retirement after Pakistan were eliminated from the World Cup in the first round.
But the cricket board later allowed and picked Inzamam to play a Test against South Africa in Lahore as a farewell gesture and also rewarded him with a cash bonus.
Sources said that Shoaib had mentioned the example of Inzamam while requesting for a chance to play a proper farewell match.
"He is not satisfied that he never got a proper opportunity to play his final match and be given a proper send off by his fans and that is why he wants a farewell match," one source said.
Pakistan's enigmatic fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar wants to be given an opportunity to play a final farewell match this year although he announced his retirement from international cricket during the World Cup.Although Shoaib himself has kept a low profile since returning from the World Cup, well-placed sources confirmed that the fast bowler had conveyed to the PCB about his desire to play a farewell match.
The experienced player suffered a setback in the World Cup as his announcement after the New Zealand match led to him not getting another opportunity in the cricketing extravaganza.
Ross Taylor and Co smashed him for 28 runs in his last international over.
Worse, he was fined $2000 for misbehaving with teammate Kamran Akmal who dropped Taylor twice in one over of Shoaib.
Local daily 'The News' reported on Thursday that Shoaib had kicked Kamran on the field during the match and used abusive language which led to an ugly scene on the field.
The report stated that while Shoaib was fined and issued a notice, the management also fined Kamran $1000 for his role in the incident.
According to the newspaper, some members of the Pakistan team didn't want the board to allow Shoaib any farewell match later this year in any series as they were still upset over the incident in the New Zealand match and didn't want the speedster back in Pakistan colours.
In 2007, erstwhile captain Inzamam-ul-Haq had also announced his retirement after Pakistan were eliminated from the World Cup in the first round.
But the cricket board later allowed and picked Inzamam to play a Test against South Africa in Lahore as a farewell gesture and also rewarded him with a cash bonus.
Sources said that Shoaib had mentioned the example of Inzamam while requesting for a chance to play a proper farewell match.
"He is not satisfied that he never got a proper opportunity to play his final match and be given a proper send off by his fans and that is why he wants a farewell match," one source said.
© PTI
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