By Jon Steer
August 4 2003

The Pakistan Cricket Board have requested that Shoaib Ahktar be released from his contract with Durham to replace the injured Mohammed Sami in the squad to face Bangladesh in the forthcoming Test series. After a dazzling performance against Somerset last week, the future of Shoaib Akhtar at Durham is currently uncertain. The fast bowler was originally given permission to miss Pakistan's series with Bangladesh by the Pakistani Cricket Board. The PCB were keen to try out new players and saw Shoaibs time with Durham as a way of him keeping match fit. The plan was that Shoaib would be under contract with Durham until the middle of September when he would return to Pakistan for the three match series against South Africa. A series which is also likely to feature fellow Durham overseas player Dewald Pretorius.

However, an injury to bowler Mohammed Sami has meant that the PCB are keen for Shoaib to return home early to play in the series against Bangladesh. To this end they have requested that Shoaib be released from his contract with Durham

Shoaib himself has indicated that he is happy to carry on playing with Durham and that he is discussing the situation with the management. He has said that although it would be an honour to play for Pakistan, he is enjoying playing for Durham and that the regular matches are helping his bowling.

Durham's next championship match isn't for almost two weeks and hopefully Shoaib will still be with us.