Shoaib's Contract Won't be Renewed Says Butt

Karachi: Embattled Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar's career has been dealt another blow with the Pakistan Cricket Board deciding not to renew his central contract as he is neither playing for the national team nor competing in the domestic circuit.

PCB chairman Ejaz Butt said no fresh contract would be issued to the fast bowler, whose career has been marred by injury breakdowns, a dope scandal and disputes with the authorities.

Shoaib's current contract expires at the end of this month.

Butt said only those players are given contracts and monthly salaries who are playing for the country or competing at the domestic level.

Shoaib is placed in the category A of the central contracts, which allows him to draw a salary of Rs 250,000 per month from the board.

The troubled bowler has kept a low profile since returning from England after undergoing a knee surgery two months ago.

Shoaib has had a troubled time in the past two-three years and has played only a handful of matches for Pakistan.

Butt said the fast bowler was given a central contract last time as he was active and the PCB wanted him to play regularly for the team provided he was fit and in form.