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Shoaib wants PCB to fund surgery, chairman reluctant

Staff Report

LAHORE: Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar continues to irk the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the pacer now wants the reluctant board to fund his knee surgery. The PCB has in fact refused to bear the expenses for the surgery that Shoaib plans to have next week in England under the supervision of noted orthopedic surgeon Andy Williams. “Shoaib had sent a copy of the medial recommendation which says he requires surgery for a chronic knee problem to the board. He wanted the board to pay for his expenses,” a PCB spokesman said. “But PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has so far not taken any decision on the report sent by Shoaib,” he added. “There is a clause in the central contract that clearly states that players can only be provided medical treatment by the board when they sustain injuries while playing for the country. Since Shoaib has not played for a while for Pakistan we can’t cover his medical treatment.” Shoaib has played a handful of Tests and one-day matches in the last two and half years due to fitness and disciplinary issues. Shoaib, who has taken 178 Test and 223 one-day international wickets, was hoping to play some domestic cricket in a bid to convince the selectors he was ready for a return to the national team. Apparently two weeks have passed since Shoaib sent his report and the pacer has become so frustrated that he has decided to bear the expenses himself for the time before the matter is resolved.

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